Red squirrel conservation
Red squirrel status
Red squirrels are classed as endangered on The Mammal Society’s Red List for Britain’s Mammals. In Northern Ireland red squirrels are classed as least concern as numbers are recovering thanks to active conservation action and pine marten recovery.
The population has fallen from a high of around 3.5 million in the UK, to the current rough estimate of 287,000. Around 75% are found in Scotland, with the population in England thought to be as low as 38,900.
Following the introduction of grey squirrels to the UK, red squirrels have faced local extinctions. Only thanks to conservation efforts are red squirrels still found in some areas of the UK.
Threats to survival
Grey squirrels were introduced to the UK from 1876. They are larger and more aggressive than red squirrels, so outcompete them for food and habitat. This results in reds starving and being unable to reproduce. Grey squirrels also carry squirrelpox virus that is almost always fatal to reds and causes a population to die off 25 times faster than competition alone.
Habitat loss and fragmentation are also problems for red squirrels. It is important to retain and sensitively manage habitats that support red squirrels. Hopefully the UK’s tree planting and woodland creation targets will ensure more habitat is available in the future.
Road traffic collisions are another issue that cause red squirrel deaths. Slowing down for wildlife and keeping alert while driving is important on the UK’s road networks. Some groups and organisations put up signs and construct rope bridges to help red squirrels to safely cross roads.
Conservation efforts
Monitoring is important to understand where red squirrels still survive. Records of grey squirrels help support conservation action. Report your squirrel sightings across the UK.
Protection from grey squirrels is vital for red squirrel survival. Community groups, organisations and individuals dedicate time to removing grey squirrels so red squirrels can thrive. They are always looking for people to help in different roles.
Reintroductions and translocations help return red squirrels to areas they were once lost – following grey squirrel removal. Or boost small existing populations of red squirrels around the UK.
Conservation breeding of red squirrels in enclosures supports reintroduction and translocation action. It also helps raise awareness of red squirrels in areas where they were lost due to competition and disease from grey squirrels.
Squirrel Ecology & Distribution
Learn where squirrel populations live and how to identify the types of squirrels in the United Kingdom.
Grey Squirrel Management
Learn how grey squirrel management helps protect UK forestry and the endangered red squirrel species.
Tree Damage
Find out how Grey squirrels negatively impact the health of the UK’s trees and woods through bark stripping.
Squirrel Pox & Diseases
Learn how squirrel pox and other diseases can be devastating for the endangered red squirrel population.