Threatened species that’s helping Tufty thrive again

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

Researchers say that growing populations of the weasel-like animals are controlling the numbers of invasive grey squirrels, which they prey on more than reds.

Because reds are smaller and lighter than greys, they find it easier to escape predatory pine martens by disappearing into woodland.

Historically, pine martens were hunted for their fur and this, combined with killing by gamekeepers and loss of habitat, led them to the verge of extinction in many areas of Britain and Ireland.

Researchers at Queen’s University Belfast and National Museums Northern Ireland told the British Ecological Society’s annual conference yesterday that moves to increase their numbers had led to a flourishing of red squirrels.

However, pine martens are not the sole key to a red squirrel revival because they do not venture into urban areas where greys thrive.