Honest Truth

Last week MSP Murdo Fraser called on The Scottish Government to do more to protect the dwindling red squirrel population. Dr Mel Tonkin is project manager for Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels, and she told Stevie Gallacher The Honest Truth about the furry creatures Why is the red squirrel under threat?

Red squirrels were once widespread throughout Britain, but they have been lost from most of England and Wales and the Scottish Central Lowlands. However, despite the loss of much of their original woodland habitat, red squirrels still thrive over much of Scotland, especially over Highland areas as well as many parts of southern Scotland. Today the most urgent threat to the red squirrel’s future is the spread of grey squirrels, an invasive species that can replace reds by competing for food and living space and by transmitting a deadly disease.

Where did the grey squirrel come from, and why is it moving into the red squirrel territory?

The grey squirrel is a North American species that was brought here in Victorian times to decorate the gardens of stately homes. They are twice the size of the native squirrel and breed more successfully, spreading further and further into the countryside, gradually replacing red squirrel populations.

What is squirrelpox?

Squirrelpox is a virus that is carried naturally by grey squirrels both in America and the UK without affecting them. Unfortunately, for red squirrels