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Squirus vulgaris - Red Squirrel Relatively common in some parts of Scotland, with isolated pockets remaining in Northern England and on the Isle of Wight, but still in decline. |
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Once common in forests and woodland throughout the British Isles, Red Squirrel numbers have fallen dramatically since native populations were seriously depleted by a viral epidemic in the 1920s. Since then it has been largely replaced over its former range by the Grey Squirrel. An endangered species, Red Squirrels are largely confined to Scotland and coniferous forests, where they may just be holding their own against the invading greys. Red Squirrels are still relatively common and widespread in Dumfries and Galloway and the region may have up to 15% of the total UK population. |
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Photo - D. Heward |
