The red squirrel is becoming a rarer native species in the UK. Although it is protected under the Bern Convention and the Wildlife Act (1976), there are a number of reasons why the species is in jeopardy of extinction. In Europe, reds are common and are often seen as an attractive species, but in the United States, they are not as widespread as they are in Europe. In fact, red squirrels are listed as an endangered species on the IUCN Red List because of the destruction of their habitats.
Red Squirrels Species
The red squirrel is one of the UK’s most popular species, thanks to its distinctive tufted ears and russet fur. Unfortunately, it is also endangered. The red squirrel’s population is estimated at fewer than 40,000 individuals in England. Various factors contribute to this decline, including habitat loss and competition for food with grey and brown mice. Another threat to the reds is the Squirrelpox virus, which can kill them. Fortunately, grey and brown-furred squirrels do not contract the disease.
Also Read: What Does A Baby Flying Squirrel Look Like?
The red squirrel is a specialist tree-seed feeder and is able to feed on many different types of trees. Its favorite foods include yew seeds, elm seeds, pine cones, larch and spruce seeds, and fruit. They also eat fungi and the fruits and leaves of some trees, which makes them essential to the reforestation process. But why is the red squirrel endangered?
Red squirrels are not hibernating, and instead, spend the autumn collecting food. They are nocturnal and will rarely hunt animals for food. However, they do occasionally scavenge animal prey. They mostly eat pine seeds, but also eat larch and spruce trees. This is why the red is a keystone species for reforestation efforts. A lack of habitat can harm the trees in a variety of ways.
Aside from habitat destruction, red squirrels also face other threats. They are not adapted to deciduous woods. They are more prone to robbing homes and killing livestock. Moreover, if there are a number of reds in an area, the grey squirrels will dominate the population. This will lead to extinction for the red squirrel in the UK. A few species have already disappeared in the last few years, but their numbers are not very low.
The red squirrel is not a hibernating species. Its primary diet is seeds. It spends autumn and winter collecting food. In urban areas, it only takes animal prey occasionally. During the summer and autumn, it is a more active species, feeding mostly on seeds and other vegetation. In addition to this, red squirrels also play a crucial role in reforestation. This will also prevent the grey from destroying the reds’ habitat.
The red squirrel is an important member of the British woodlands and is not common in rural areas. The majority of its population lives in forests and nature reserves. In urban areas, it feeds on bird tables, acorns, and peanuts. In southern Europe, it is extinct. Northern England and Scotland is the only place where the species can be found. The invasive grey squirrel has decimated most of the habitats of the red squirrel.
The red squirrel is a small species of tree squirrel and is often difficult to spot. Their distinctive red tufts are unique, which makes them easier to identify. They have a large drey in the forest that you can see with your eyes. You can also detect their presence by scratching bark and removing pine cones. These are signs that the reds are thriving in the area. If you see one, let the world know.
Final Thoughts
The red squirrel is a declining species due to the lack of suitable habitats. During the winter, they live in deciduous woods and are easily identifiable by their bright red fur. Their nests are made from twigs and lined with soft hair. They spend most of the year in the tree canopy, and it’s important to protect them. They are often present in cities, so you can also create a food source for reds in your own backyard.
Jessica Watson is a PHD holder from the University of Washington. She studied behavior and interaction between squirrels and has presented her research in several wildlife conferences including TWS Annual Conference in Winnipeg.
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