By Isla Glen

Scotland has a huge red squirrel population, with 75 per cent of the UK’s inhabitants, but its survival depends on the public.

In the 19^th century, grey squirrels from North America were introduced to Britain and they quickly became a threat to the native red population.

The two species differ massively, with grey squirrels being bigger and stronger. They take food, space and resources away from the reds, but also carry a deadly virus called squirrelpox. While this virus does not harm greys, it has wiped out a huge portion of the red population.

Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels began tracking Scotland’s squirrel population in 2009 and relies on verified public sightings to measure the spread of both grey and red squirrels.

To verify a sighting, the charity asks for a grid reference and volunteers will use this information to decide if action is needed. This could include tending to a sick squirrel and ensuring the virus is contained.

Sightings were low at the start of the project but increased from 2018 and peaked during 2020.

So far in 2022, 6237 red squirrels and 2168 grey squirrels have been sighted across Scotland. Sightings have been falling since 2020, potentially due to walks decreasing since the first Coronavirus lockdown.

Stirlingshire is a focus point for the squirrel charity due to being the gateway to the Highlands. Alongside Tayside, these regions are the last remaining barrier to protect the thriving red population in the Highlands.

In 2021 a total of 1049 red squirrels were seen and recorded across Stirlingshire, compared to 297 grey squirrels. Stirlingshire had 11.12 per cent of all recorded red squirrel sightings in Scotland.

Despite the majority, grey squirrels still pose a threat. Towards the North and East of Stirlingshire, there are few grey squirrels as they mainly dominate the south and west.

Hotspots for grey squirrels include Birch Wood, Plean, Leckie and parts of Dunblane. The biggest population of grey squirrels can be seen around the city centre, close to the growing red population at Gillies Hill and Haggs Wood.

Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels have partnered with the Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park to establish a red squirrel protection network. Funding from the Scottish Rural Development Programme supports local landowners in controlling the grey squirrel population.

Complete eradication of grey squirrels is not a practical option. The charity aims to protect the Highland line, control the population and stop the greys from taking over empty habitat after red squirrels have died.

In recent years, squirrelpox antibody testing has been trialed across Tayside. The scheme detects spread in the virus which could threaten squirrel populations in the North that have never been exposed before. This includes both types of squirrels, as greys in this area do not carry the disease.

It is impossible to track every single squirrel’s movements, which is why the survival of Scotland’s red population depends on the public reporting their sightings. If the charity knows where squirrels are, they can take measures that ensure the reds will not be threatened by the greys.

Squirrel sightings can be reported at: https://scottishsquirrels.org.uk/