…there it’s a grey and if not, it’s a red! Red vs. Grey Scotland’s red squirrels face an ongoing struggle against the invasive non native grey squirrel, which is much better adapted to winter conditions. Greys have a larger body mass, providing them with greater fat reserves and insulating properties. Where both red and grey squirrels can be found together,… […]
…Assessment followed. Volunteers can now undertake operational survey work, which was previously suspended All face to face training activities can now recommence, including trail camera and operational survey training for volunteers In-person Volunteer Network Group meetings can now commence, adhering to Government guidelines on meeting others indoors or outdoors Leaflet drops are now permitted for volunteers As highlighted in our… […]
…project’s spring surveys in both 2020 and 2021. These annual systematic surveys, which used baited squirrel-hair sampling boxes at over 200 specific locations, provided robust distribution data for both red and grey squirrels that was invaluable for comparing the fortunes of squirrels from year-to-year. Project Manager Dr Mel Tonkin said: “Without the spring survey data, we need the help of… […]
A record number of squirrel sightings were reported by the public during September’s Great Scottish Squirrel Survey. 2,100 people – three times the number who took part in the first national survey in 2019 – logged over 3,000 sightings of red and grey squirrels, creating a Scotland-wide snapshot and providing valuable data for conservationists. The Great Scottish Squirrel… […]
Republished from 09/17/2021 by Victoria Chanin The Great Scottish Squirrel Survey 2022 is right around the corner, and now in its fourth year, we are very excited to see this year’s results! For those who haven’t participated before, the Great Scottish Squirrel Survey is a week-long event in the autumn during National Red Squirrel Awareness Week when we call… […]
…We very much look forward to continuing the important work to secure the future of red squirrels in Scotland.” Grey squirrels continue to pose the greatest threat to red squirrels in Scotland. An invasive species that was introduced to Britain from North America in Victorian times, grey squirrels out-compete reds for food and living space and have rapidly replaced native… […]
…through competition for resources. Most worryingly they could also potentially bring the deadly squirrelpox virus, which isn’t currently present in Aberdeenshire, with them. This virus doesn’t harm grey squirrels but it is deadly for reds. It would be devastating for Scotland’s squirrels if squirrelpox is allowed to spread into the north of the country. “There are a number of ways… […]
…for food, build dreys, care for their kits, or even manage to catch them having an afternoon summer siesta, the loveable critters offer endless entertainment for the whole family. If you spot a red squirrel, enjoy the moment and share your sightings with us! scottishsquirrels.org.uk/squirrel-sightings Rebecca Bradley (SSRS Office & Comms Volunteer) Katie Berry (SSRS Communications & Engagement Officer)… […]
…been taking blood samples from grey squirrels which are then tested for the presence of squirrelpox antibodies. A very small number of grey squirrels have tested positive for squirrelpox antibodies between 2013 and 2020 in the Central Lowlands, the most northerly of which was at Plean, near Bannockburn. It is unclear how the disease arrived here, as we have detected… […]
…The conference site remains accessible to attendees for 30 days for re-watches. This includes people who register and create a CrowdComms account but are not present on the day. After this point we will be supplied with the video files. We are hoping at least some of the content can then be available on YouTube. If you do not want… […]
