Pine martens lead to red squirrel revival

RED squirrels are making a comeback, thanks to the reintroduction of another threatened creature – the pine marten.

Researchers say growing populations of the weasel-like animals are controlling the numbers of invasive grey squirrels, which they prey on more than they do on reds. Because reds are smaller and lighter, they find it easier to escape by disappearing into woodland.

Historically, pine martens were hunted for their fur, and this, together with the loss of habitat, led them to the verge of extinction in Britain and Ireland. Researchers at Queen’s University, Belfast told the British Ecological Society’s annual conference yesterday moves to increase their numbers had caused red squirrel numbers to grow.

However, pine martens were not the sole key to a red squirrel revival, they said, because they did not venture into urban areas, where grey squirrels thrive. |