Sciurus vulgaris red squirrel

Current status: WCA5, 6; Bern III

Populations of red squirrel in the UK have suffered markedly over the last 50 years with the introduced grey squirrel replacing the species throughout most of England and Wales. Red squirrels are usually displaced by grey squirrels within 15 years of the latter arriving in an area. This appears to be through competitive exclusion by the grey squirrel, a species which is better adapted to the now fragmented British woodland, where acorns are the principal food source. The North East Region, and Northumberland in particular, remains the English stronghold for the species, although grey squirrel is now present throughout much of County Durham and is beginning to be seen in the Tyne Valley. Conifer plantations, a habitat where greys find it hard to compete, have become particularly important for the red squirrel. The red squirrel is currently the subject of a strong conservation effort within the Region. Actions being taken include control of grey squirrels, supplementary feeding of red squirrels, and promoting long term habitat management which will benefit the species.

Threats:

Spread of grey squirrels; habitat fragmentation making some areas less suitable for red squirrels, increasing their vulnerability to displacement by grey squirrels; disease, particularly the parapox virus which is believed to be transmitted to red squirrels by greys.