…we arrive to do something about it. But if we can keep the greys at bay, and thereby reduce the risk of a pox outbreak, I think we can expect to hold on to our reds for a long time to come. Road sign installed at Cally Woods, an area popular with red squirrels and tourists alike! Community support Our… […]
…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… […]
…spotted in a Luss resident’s garden we’re hoping we’ll see many more red sightings popping up on our sightings map in the months and years to come. Change is also happening in other areas to the west of Loch Lomond. Last week Arrochar resident Fiona Jackson reported seeing a red squirrel in her garden for the first time ever! Local… […]
…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,… […]
…any wildlife feeding stations. We also ask that people across the Solway Coast please ensure that all garden feeding stations are regularly cleaned with an anti-viral solution such as Virkon S, which is available to purchase online in tablet and powder form. If you see a sick red squirrel, either in your garden, or while outdoors exercising, please contact squirrels@scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk…. […]
…December volunteer announcement, grey squirrel control volunteers can continue their work in the field We ask those looking to return to volunteering, to be proactive in monitoring changing Covid-19 guidelines in your local authority area, by regularly visiting https://www.gov.scot/coronavirus-covid-19/. Prior to commencing any new activities, a Covid-19 Risk Assessment will need to be reviewed. This can be accessed through… […]
…to know more about how the situation has changed in the past year. Reporting a squirrel sighting is a simple thing anyone can do to help.” Grey squirrels were introduced to Scotland in Victorian times and have since replaced our native red squirrel in many parts of the country. They out-compete reds for food and living space and can also… […]
…Scotland, and I have no doubt that the future is bright for the project.” Red squirrel sightings are increasing in places like the University of Aberdeen Where are you off to next? Before my wife and I moved to Aberdeen last year, we spent four years living in the north east (coincidence?!) of Cambodia, working for an international conservation… […]
…just around the corner! Mating may take place as early as mid December! If you see frantic high-speed chases in the canopy this might well be a female in the lead and a male in hot pursuit! Mating chases are amazing to watch – the speed they can dash about is incredible! Time to spruce up the drey… Spruce –… […]
…and give them a proper introduction. Dr Lucy Lush: Assistant Project Manager Lucy is the latest addition to the SSRS team and is working closely alongside our Programme Manager, Dr Mel Tonkin, to oversee our project operations across Scotland. Lucy joins the team with a varied background as a wildlife biologist carrying out research in mammal ecology and behaviour… […]
