Red Squirrel: the Road to Extinction
As can be seen from the history of squirrels in Scotland their numbers have always varied. With numbers already low and changes in forestry practice the spread of the grey squirrel across Britain spelt disaster for many red squirrel populations. Aggression by the larger grey squirrel was initially blamed for the disappearance of reds but research identified competition for food as one of the main factors. The grey squirrel’s efficiency in digesting large seeds from broadleaf trees (such as acorns and hazelnuts), gives them an advantage over red squirrels in broadleaf woodlands. Grey squirrels stayed healthier than the reds and were able to survive hard winters. They were also in better condition to breed successfully with the outcome that once greys appeared in a wood the reds disappeared within about 5 years.
It is often thought that the extinction of the red squirrel will take place in the near future. It might be true that in many areas reds don’t stand a chance, especially in broadleaf woodland. However things might be better in conifer forests and this is where the Ayrshire Red Squirrel Group will focus its efforts, together with other conservation groups.
Research has shown that red squirrels can hang on in forests for a long time even if no one does anything to help. The reduction in red squirrels occurred in some forests because hardly anything was done to try and save them. Knowing this gives us cause for optimism. We feel that if we put the effort into our large conifer woodlands we may be able to tip the scales in favour of the red squirrel so that-they will hang on and survive in the wild in Scotland.
Recent research work has identified areas of woodland which could support a population of red squirrels, have no greys at present and are defendable against grey squirrel invasion. These areas are called “Priority Woodlands”. Each has to be 200 hectares in size (about 200 football pitches). Ayrshire has 3 National Priority Woodlands and 3 Local Priority Woodlands. Islands like Arran have only red squirrels as it is more difficult for greys to colonise by chance.
