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The red squirrel is fighting for survival -
only 121,000 remain in Scotland!
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Why save red squirrels?
Red squirrels, the UK's only native squirrel species, were once common across the whole of the UK but now only 121,000 are found in Scotland - 75% of the UK population! We must act NOW to prevent the red squirrel from becoming extinct in Scotland within our lifespan!
Grey squirrels were first introduced to the UK in 1876 and their population has expanded exponentially. With over 300,000 greys in Scotland alone, it has been accepted that their presence is the most significant factor in the red squirrels decline. Maps tracking the spread of greys and the decline of reds illustrate this fact.
Grey squirrels are not only a more robust species, outcompeting reds for food and having higher juvenile survival rates, they also spread the
squirrelpox virus – a disease which doesn’t affect greys but kills reds.
To save the red squirrel, we have to tackle the main problem for reds today: the greys. A strategic programme of grey squirrel control activity is the only way to save Scotland’s red squirrels.
Saving Scotland's Red Squirrels project
A four-year project called Saving Scotland's Red Squirrels is being developed by SWT and Scottish Natural Heritage with the aim of protecting red squirrel populations and encouraging expansion in areas previously occupied by reds. Operating in tandem with Red Squirrels in South Scotland, the project will take a Scotland-wide strategic approach to saving the native red squirrel.
How you can help
The red squirrel needs as much help as possible if it is to survive in Scotland for the future. The amount of funding available to save the squirrel will be a deciding factor on what the project can achieve. Our activities will buy more time for our red friend as we try to ensure red squirrels are part of Scotland’s future.
Donate NOW and help save red squirrels!
We also need your help to keep up-to-date records of squirrel populations. Report sightings of red and grey squirrels now.