…linked to squirrel numbers, or squirrel distribution. What does the spring survey tell us? Each year between March and April, staff and volunteers monitor four feeder boxes placed within a 2km square called a ‘tetrad’. Hair samples are collected from the feeder boxes at two-week intervals, which are then analysed under a microscope to determine the species. This gives… […]
…in various locations in Scotland and was led by Dr Emma Sheehy and Professor Xavier Lambin of the University of Aberdeen. Dr Sheehy said: “Globally, there are numerous examples of non-native predators having detrimental impacts on native prey, such as the fox and domestic cat which continue to wipe out native marsupials in Australia. In our study, we demonstrate a… […]
…The grey squirrel is an invasive species that was introduced to Britain from North America. They out-compete red squirrels for food and living space and some also carry squirrelpox, a virus that doesn’t harm grey squirrels but is deadly to reds. Grey squirrels were first introduced to Aberdeen in the 1970s, rapidly spreading throughout the city and into surrounding Aberdeenshire,… […]
…the more sightings we receive the better our understanding will be.” Grey squirrels are a non-native species that was first introduced to Britain in Victorian times, and they are recognised as the main threat to the red squirrel’s future in Scotland. Larger and more robust, they out-compete native reds for resources. In the south of Scotland some grey squirrels also… […]
…volunteers have been contributing to our grey squirrel control work in the area, so it’s great to see their efforts finally paying off. One of the long-term goals in the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park action plans, including ‘Wild Park 2020’, is working towards a long-term goal of maintaining the whole area as a ‘red-only’ zone. An… […]
…areas where red and grey squirrels are living in the same or adjacent areas. Spread through ‘red only’ populations will be restricted and localised to the interface of the two species. Therefore a Scotland-wide squirrelpox epidemic is not likely in ‘red only’ areas. Beyond the interface with grey squirrels, ‘red only’ areas will remain disease free. Model simulations show that… […]
…boxes are baited with tempting treats and left in the woods. Inside the lid of the box is a small sticky pad, which takes hairs from any visiting squirrels. We look at these hair samples later and it then informs our work through the rest of the year. All nice and simple – at very small financial costs – but… […]
…it from coming into contact with the introduced grey squirrels. And the only way we currently have to do that is to trap and dispatch the greys which move into the few areas where red squirrel populations remain strong. Grey squirrels ARE amazing and interesting creatures. Unfortunately, they are in the wrong ecosystem. Although the individual are not intentionally killing… […]
…Squirrel in April this year, having previously provided additional volunteer liaison support for the project. In her new role she is supporting the region’s flourishing volunteer networks as well as attending events and organising volunteer training. Contact: scooper@scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk South West Scotland Office Unit 10, Mill Isle, Craignair Rd, Dalbeattie, DG5 4AX Tel: 01556611288 Of course Laura, Alexa, Stephanie… […]
…your red squirrels – try to get clear shots, ideally in a similar position such as at a feeder, with a good view of the tail as this is often the most distinctive part of the squirrel. You can compare them and create your own photographic ID chart for your local squirrels. Red squirrel on the osprey nest at Loch… […]
