Seeing Reds?

The Red squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris) is Europe's indigenous squirrel. Its Grey squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis) cousin, was originally found in North America. Greys were introduced as novelties into the grounds of UK stately homes. The first such introduction was in 1876. There were circa 30 introductions between then and 1930, when the practice was finally declared illegal. Grey squirrels cause damage to conifer plantations. They also decimate Red squirrel populations in most parts of the UK. As greys are larger than Red squirrels, they out-compete them. Grey squirrels also kill reds by passing on Squirrel pox. The reds are much more susceptible to this virus. The Red Squirrels Northern England (RSNE) group carries out squirrel surveys in 250 areas where reds are still found. The group's most recent survey found that numbers were rising in both species. The rise, however, was much more marked for the greys. This is despite considerable conservation efforts being directed to the reds (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/dec/03/substantial-increase-in-grey-squirrels-in-england-is-concerning-campaigners-say). This RSHE survey data is worrying. Red squirrels continue to be pressured by the greys, even in their remaining North England strongholds. Perhaps we will eventually only see English Red squirrels in segregated island populations such as Brownsea Island and the Isle of Wight? Another fine mess stately home gardeners got us into!