DS0D7621-Red-Squirrel,-Sciurus-vulgaris

            Red Squirrel, Sciurus vulgaris.

The red squirrel is famed for its orange-red fur, but is actually quite variable in colour, ranging from vivid ginger to dark brown. In winter, the fur is often tinged with grey and large tufts develop above the ears. Red squirrels have a large bushy tail that is almost as long as its body.

There are two species of squirrel in the UK; Reds  and Greys. Grey Squirrels never have tufted ears and are significantly larger, weighing around 540g, compared to just 300g for Red Squirrels. The tail of red squirrel is always exclusively one colour, while a Grey Squirrel tail often contains several colours. 
Populations are currently estimated at approximately 140,000 Red Squirrels and 2.7 million Grey Squirrels. Red Squirrels are our native species and have lived in the UK for around 10,000 years. Grey Squirrels were introduced to the UK from North America by the Victorians in the 1800s, the first record of them escaping and establishing a wild population was in 1876. 

Grey Squirrels are a familiar sight for many people across large parts of the UK and are often seen in parks and gardens, whilst the range of our native Red Squirrel is now limited to certain areas of the UK, such as Anglesey, parts of northern England and Scotland. In many cases they have retreated to wilder, more remote locations.

Red Squirrels rely on trees for food, with their diet mainly consisting of seeds and nuts. Pine seeds are a particular favourite, but they will also take hazelnuts, and the seeds of larch and spruce. Also eaten are fruit, tree shoots, bark, lichen and fungi. Young birds and eggs may also be taken, but this is rare. In autumn, squirrels will bury seeds and nuts, ready to be eaten in winter when food is scarce.

Before mating, males will follow females in prolonged chases through the trees and females will often mate with more than one partner. The young are born in a nest known as a drey. Dreys are located high up in trees and made from twigs and lined with moss, leaves and other soft materials. Up to six young are normally born in spring and they will begin foraging for their own food after around 10 weeks.

Red squirrels have undergone one of the most drastic declines of all UK mammals. This is largely due to the introduction of the Greys which are able to outcompete Reds for food and they also carry the squirrelpox virus, which they are immune to, but which is fatal to Reds.

Without conservation management, Red Squirrels could become extinct in England in approximately 10 years time.

Taken on: January 11, 2021

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