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.

However, the species has yet to establish itself in the south-west, or west of the Shannon, and a recent study by NUI Galway suggests that these counties may hold the key for the survival of the red squirrel in Ireland.

The report details findings of research on the use of translocation for red squirrel conservation. Translocation is the establishment of a population of wild animals in an area where they have become locally extinct or were not found historically.

The pilot translocations of red squirrels to two woodlands, one in Mayo and the other in Connemara, has proved very successful with evidence that the squirrels settled into their new surroundings and started breeding within months.

The squirrels were followed over three years, allowing researchers to monitor their health and also to monitor the two populations as they expanded and spread within their new woodlands.

The report, which was written by Catherine Waters and Dr Colin Lawton, of NUI Galway, includes a number of specific recommendations about the potential for future translocations.

“Translocations consistently fail if grey squirrels are present. Red squirrel translocation cannot be used in areas within the grey squirrel range, even where a grey squirrel eradication programme has been carried out. There is real potential, however, for remote woodlands in counties Donegal, Sligo, Mayo, Galway, Clare and Kerry to host new red squirrel populations,” the report outlines.

Welcoming the findings, Dr Ferdia Marnell of NPWS’s scientific unit said it provided hope for maintaining the long-term survival of the red squirrel.