Invasive species - Red squirrels in red zone

A new survey on red squirrel populations points to an inexorable decline and the very real prospect of the extinction of a native species.

Counties Kerry and Cork remain the last refuge of red squirrels as they have been supplanted by introduced grey squirrels. Grey squirrels have assumed vermin proportions in some areas. Often it is too late to deal with this issue once it has been discovered and we must do more to secure a future for our unique flora and fauna.

The re-introduction of birds of prey has caught the public imagination in a way that can only be good for our appreciation of the world around us. An equally committed campaign to the protection of our native red squirrels would be equally, if not more welcome.