Squirrelling its way back here

A FEW recent sightings of red squirrels in places where I had not seen them previously offers some hopes about the welfare of the species, despite reports that our native red is under serious threat from the imported American grey squirrel.

The first sighting was in the back garden, where the long-tailed little fellow looked quite at home, and the second was on a farm where the owner had rarely seen a squirrel (it was helping itself to the nut contents of a bird feeder). On the third occasion, grey crows were unsuccessfully pursuing a squirrel across open ground.

If you’re out walking during Halloween, it may be worth keeping an eye out for them around trees: they are entertaining and interesting to watch.

In areas with grey squirrels you’re more likely to see one of those because, as well as being almost twice the size of their red cousins, they are also much more daring and less afraid of people. Red squirrels are elusive.

The red squirrel is a native species, believed to be with us since before the last ice age.

It has a woodland habitat and, over time, was introduced to parts of the country which did not have a resident squirrel population. All of which probably accounts for its wide dispersal.

The grey squirrel was introduced, in 1911, to Co Longford, and has spread, resulting in competition with the red squirrel for food such as nuts and seeds. The red squirrel is the loser in the food stakes, which has serious implications for its survival it will not be able to breed unless it puts on enough weight.

Another key issue is the spread of a disease called squirrel pox virus, which is almost always fatal to red squirrels. The grey squirrel is a carrier of this disease, but is not affected by it. It manifests itself through lesions to the face and feet of the animals, particularly around the eyes.

There’s a growing belief in wildlife circles that the predatory pine marten may help keep down the grey squirrel population, which is the subject of ongoing research.

Research also shows the red squirrel is still more widespread throughout Ireland. The grey squirrel has spread through the eastern half of the country and continues to move to the north-west and south-west. The red squirrel is protected under the Wildlife Act, but it will probably need Europe-wide protection, soon, as the grey makes inroads on the Continent.