Ayrshire Red Squirrel Group - saving the Red Squirrel

Squirrel facts

Scotland has at least 75% of the UK's red squirrel population i.e. 121,000 animals. It remains a widespread and locally common species in the wooded parts of the country. Dumfries and Galloway is a stronghold, while stable populations are believed to exist in Perthshire, parts of the central belt, Aberdeenshire, Angus, Fife, the Borders and, of course, in Ayrshire. The core populations are in the Highlands, the Caledonian forest and Dumfries and Galloway.

Red squirrels have been lost from all of southern England with only a few small colonies remaining on islands. Strong populations are found in Northumberland, more fragmented ones in the Lake District and smaller isolated ones in Durham and Lancashire. There are isolated populations in Wales and some colonies in Northern Ireland.

Is not fully understood why there has been a decline in many areas. It is thought that red squirrels are losing out on food as the greys can feed more efficiently on large seeds and nuts such as acorns. Disease and habitat change are also contributing to the loss of red squirrels in the UK.

The red squirrel is a priority species in the UK Biodiversity Status and a local priority species for the Ayrshire Local Biodiversity Action Plan. It has special protection under Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.

Grey (Sciurus carolinensis)

In winter they have white fur behind their ears
The ears of greys look like mouse ears as they have no tufts!
They can grow to 35.5cm - 53cm in length and so are much larger than their RED cousins
Grey squirrels prefer deciduous woodland
Greys eat nuts, seeds, fungi, fruit & tree bark
The males can live up to 9 years with the females up to 12.5 years
Grey squirrels are native to America & were introduced to this country in 1876
spends 3/4 of the time on the ground and only 1/4 in the trees

Red (Sciurus vulgaris)

They have tufted ears, which become more noticeable in winter
They can grow to be 24cm in length with the tail taking up to 17.5cm of that length
Reds are better adapted to live in pine forests
Reds eat flowers, buds, seeds of trees, particularly hazel & pine
Red squirrels can live up to 6 years
Red squirrels have been around since the last ice age - 7000-10,000 years!
Spends at least 3/4 of its time in the trees and 1/4 or less on the ground

Distribution of Red Squirrels

Map courtesy of the Forestry commission

PLEASE NOTE: IT IS NOT UNCOMMON FOR RED SQUIRRELS TO HAVE GREY FUR, AND FOR GREYS TO BE RED. ALWAYS CHECK FOR OTHER CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES WHEN IDENTIFYING.