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THE RED SQUIRREL
It is believed that red squirrels have lived in Northern Ireland since the Ice Age, some 10,000 years ago. However, the destruction of many woodland areas and the introduction of the grey squirrel in 1911 have put these colourful animals at risk of extinction locally. In fact, during the 1700s, it is thought that Northern Ireland’s red squirrels did die out and that those who remain today are the descendants of squirrels introduced to Ireland in the 1800s.
Squirrels are easily recognised by their distinctive body shape and bushy tale and red squirrels are smaller and more delicate than grey ones. Red squirrels are usually between 18 and 27cm long plus a bushy tail of 20cm.
In fact, the name ‘red’ squirrel can be quite misleading – these squirrels are generally brown with a pale belly, but can range from chestnut right through to grey brown and sometimes even almost black!
Red squirrels also boast long dark ear tufts – something grey squirrels don’t have – although during summer, as the squirrels’ coat lightens, these ear tufts can be hard to spot.
Active during the day, red squirrels have bodies that are well adapted to living in trees. They are agile climbers and their bushy tails help them to balance and keep them warm in winter. Compared to their ground loving grey competition, they are likely to be seen high up in trees, but can descend headfirst down tree trunks.
However, it is the competition with grey squirrels which is partly responsible for the need to protect and support our red squirrels. Grey squirrels have adapted better to deciduous woodland and also seem to be immune to a disease called parapox virus which is potentially fatal to red squirrels. Sadly grey squirrels can carry this virus, spreading it to red squirrels.
The combination of the threats of illness, the growing number of grey squirrels and the decline of the woodland which red squirrels need, led to the species being named as a priority species in Northern Ireland in 2000.
Did you know?
Red squirrels belong to a large group of animals called rodents, which includes rats and mice.
Red squirrels eat nuts from trees such as oak, hazel, sweet chestnut and beech, as well as fungi and the berries of shrubs such as hawthorn, dog rose and guelder rose. During winter they eat buried nuts and smaller seeds; in spring they can enjoy flowers and birds’ eggs; and in summer they are able to eat cones from coniferous trees such as pine.
Red squirrels live in a drey. This is like a large bird’s nest, made from twigs and lined with hair and moss. Dreys are usually built high up in a tree - in a fork or sometimes a tree hollow. The drey is used to rest, especially during the cold days of winter and in spring a special drey is used to rear the young, which are called kits.
The male takes no part in rearing the young.
Red squirrels don’t hibernate.
Where can I see red squirrels in Northern Ireland?
Nibbled cones are a good sign that there are red squirrels nearby, but like most animals they are afraid of people and hard to spot.
Red squirrels prefer coniferous woodland – with the best type of coniferous trees those that have large cones, such as Scots pine, Norway spruce and larch.
What can I do to help red squirrels?
CeDaR is trying to find out how our red squirrels are doing. If you see one, please contact them. You can send an email to Damian.mcferran@magni.gov.uk. You will need to be able to tell him when you saw the squirrel, where and any other information. Ideally, it would be good to give an Ordnance Survey map reference.
It you own woodland, you may be eligible for a grant to plant new trees, replant after felling or carry our work to your existing property. Contact the Forest Service Woodland Grant Scheme, Department of Agriculture and Rural Development for Northern Ireland, Countryside Management Division on 082 9052 0922.
For more information about red squirrels
The Environment and Heritage Service has a red squirrel education pack at www.ehsni.gov.uk
The Forest Service offers education programmes which include information on protecting red squirrels. To find out more visit www.forestserviceni.gov.uk/education