Red Squirrels were once found all across England but the introduction of the Grey Squirrel from America has meant that the number of Red Squirrels is declining. It is now thought that there are only about 15,000 Red Squirrels left in the UK.
Habitat
Although found throughout the middle of Europe and Asia, Red Squirrels are most common in England. They live in forests and, although not picky, they do prefer to live in mixed or broadleaf woodlands.
Description
Red Squirrels grow up to about 22cm long, with a tail that long again and a weight of about 300g. There is little variance between male and female. Red Squirrels fur colour is mostly reddish but can vary from white to almost black, depending on age, season and genetic variations. Over winter their fur coat thickens and they obtain ear tufts which vanish over summer when their coat thins out and they become shiny and sleek. They make a 'chuk, chuk' noise.
Diet
Red Squirrels eat mostly seeds. Their food is plentiful over autumn and winter, but during summer and spring their food is scarce, causing them to extend their diet to plant shoots, bulbs, flowers, wild fruits and berries and, occasionally, insects and birds eggs.
Although found throughout the middle of Europe and Asia, Red Squirrels are most common in England. They live in forests and, although not picky, they do prefer to live in mixed or broadleaf woodlands.
Description
Red Squirrels grow up to about 22cm long, with a tail that long again and a weight of about 300g. There is little variance between male and female. Red Squirrels fur colour is mostly reddish but can vary from white to almost black, depending on age, season and genetic variations. Over winter their fur coat thickens and they obtain ear tufts which vanish over summer when their coat thins out and they become shiny and sleek. They make a 'chuk, chuk' noise.
Diet
Red Squirrels eat mostly seeds. Their food is plentiful over autumn and winter, but during summer and spring their food is scarce, causing them to extend their diet to plant shoots, bulbs, flowers, wild fruits and berries and, occasionally, insects and birds eggs.
Threats
The main threat to Red Squirrels is the Grey Squirrel. Introduced from America for ordimental purposes, they quickly overran the country, not only running the Red Squirrel out of food, but also spreading a disease that is deadly to the red squirrel, called squirrel parapox virus. Red squirrels are also preyed along by Pine Martens, Wildcats, Stoats, Owls, Raptors, Red Foxes, Cats and Dogs. Red Squirrels numbers are also declining because of habitat loss and Red Squirrels being hit by traffic. |
Did you know?
It is estimated that only about 20-50% of Red Squirrel kittens (baby's) make it to adulthood. |
How can we help?
Red Squirrels are beginning to be transferred to pest proof islands, like Tresco in the Isles of Scilly. Organisations like The Wildlife Trusts help monitor squirrel numbers and habitat, run education and awareness programmes and control Grey Squirrel numbers.
References
Wikipedia - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red_squirrel
The Wildlife Trusts - www.wildlifetrusts.org/saving-species/red-squirrels
- https://www.wildlifetrusts.org/where_to_see_red_squirrels
Daily Mail - https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/fb-5469563/HOW-GREY-SQUIRREL-KILLING-RED-SQUIRREL.html
British Red Squirrel - http://www.britishredsquirrel.org/red-squirrels/
Woodland Trust - https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/blog/2018/11/red-squirrel-facts/
Saving Britons Wildlife - https://www.mammal.org.uk/species-hub/full-species-hub/discover-mammals/species-red-squirrel/
Country File - https://www.countryfile.com/wildlife/mammals/red-squirrel-guide-how-to-identify-and-where-to-see-in-britain/
ICUN Red List - https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/20025/115155900