West of Ireland could offer safe haven for endangered red squirrels

THE west of Ireland could offer a long-term, safe haven for red squirrels, according to a new report published by the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS).

The native red squirrel was listed as “near threatened” in Ireland’s most recent red data list of mammals, and has suffered a 20% decline in its population since the introduction of the North American grey squirrel to Ireland in 1911.

The grey squirrel has expanded its range steadily since and can now be found throughout the eastern half of the island, from Derry and Antrim in the north to Wexford and Waterford on the south coast.