140 years ago there was only one species of squirrel in the wild in the UK, it was common and widespread across most of the country and that is the Red squirrel. Unfortunately that isn't the case anymore, these small rodents are now only found in Scotland, some parts of wales, patches of northern England and on the isle of white, although there has been a handful of reintroductions across southern England in recent years.
Red squirrels are much smaller than greys and measure about 35centimetres including their tails and grow to around 350grams. They have pale cream undersides, with the rest of their fur varying from orangey red to dark brown. During the winter their fur can become more grey and dull and they also develop tufts of fur at the top of their ears.
Historically they also lived in deciduous woodlands. They feed on a wide range of seeds, nuts, and shoots, and just like most other rodents they are opportunists and will also eat carrion and birds eggs and chicks. They are active throughout the year and spend a lot of the autumn hiding food to return to and eat during the winter. This is where the term “squirreling away” comes from.
Red squirrels can breed twice per year, usually between February and March and then again between June and July. Females are only receptive of mates for a very short window during each cycle and as they are not territorial, mating can involve several males chasing a female and competing for the chance to father her offspring. She will be pregnant for 5 to 6 weeks before giving birth to between 3 and 6 young, which are known as kits. These furless, blind and toothless and are hidden within a nest the female has constructed which is known as a dray. Drays usually consist of balls of twigs high in the branches of trees, lined with leaves, moss and wool. Sometimes they will also nest in man made boxes or hollow trees. Males take no part in rearing the kits which by 7 weeks of age are around half the size of adults and emerge from the drays. By 10 weeks of age they are fully weaned and independent.
Its estimated that there are about 160,000 red squirrels left in the UK, but they are also found across most of Europe, some of Russia and in parts of Asia. As I mentioned earlier, they have declined drastically here in recent years, but it is not a lost cause. Pine martens are a native predator which is better at catching Grey squirrels than reds and is gradually recolonising the country from the north. As they spread, they seem to be reducing the numbers of grey squirrels and allowing reds to recolonise. I know it is not the grey squirrels fault that they are here, but I am hopeful that one day red squirrels will be common once again. They have an average lifespan of 4 to 5 years, but one captive animal did survive for more than 15 years at a zoo in Japan. #britishwildlife #squirrels #wildlife
Some of the footage used in this video was obtained using creative commons licences, the originals can be found at:
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Thumbnail image: https://www.flickr.com/photos/1421062...