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The red squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris) is native to Ireland, but its future is increasingly uncertain as the grey squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis) increases in number throughout Ireland and Britain. There are an estimated 40,000 red squirrels throughout Ireland, but the range of this indigenous species is rapidly contracting as grey squirrels continue to spread and out-compete reds for resources.
There is some doubt as to whether our current population of red squirrels actually descends from a native, ancestral population: red squirrels certainly became very rare, if not extinct, in Ireland around the end of the 17th Century, and there have been at least 10 recorded introductions between 1820 and 1856.
The red squirrel population is once again under severe pressure with local extinctions of reds and their replacement with greys being the recent trend in woodlands throughout the British Isles and other parts of Europe.
Red squirrel facts
They do not hibernate over winter.
They store nuts in the ground in Autumn.
They can live to 6 years of age.
Young are called kittens.
They live in a drey made of twigs, leaves and moss built in a tree.
They can swim.
Places to see them include Straidkilly Nature Reserve, Co. Antrim, Tullymore Forest, Co. Down and Ness Wood, Co. Derry. Threats to red squirrels - Competition for food sources from the increasing number of grey squirrels.
- Greys are known to have spread a lethal pox disease to the reds in parts of the UK (not demonstrated to have occurred in Northern Ireland as yet).
- Habitat loss and fragmentation – broad-leaved, mixed and coniferous woodland may be important red squirrel habitat.
- Increasing volume of road traffic causing road deaths.
- Predators such as birds of prey, for example goshawks and pine marten. Domestic cats are also a threat when squirrels go into gardens to feed.
Advance of the grey squirrels
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The current population of grey squirrels in the island of Ireland originates from the introduction of a small number of individuals to Co. Longford in 1911. Grey squirrels are now present in 26 of 32 counties in Ireland, with notable expansions in Eastern counties from Antrim to Wexford (The Irish Squirrel Survey 2007, Carey et al ). Of particular concern is the spread of greys into the Glens of Antrim, one of our strongholds for red squirrels in Northern Ireland, in the last 3-5 years. The well known and loved red squirrel population at Belvoir Forest along the Lagan Valley in Belfast has been pushed almost to the point of extinction as greys have moved into their territory.
Why are greys so successful?
The grey squirrel appears better able to exploit deciduous and mixed woodlands, utilising large tree seeds such as hazelnuts, acorns and beech mast before fully ripened. This ability gives the grey better breeding prospects and adult survival than the red in these woodlands. Another factor giving greys the competitive edge is their lower susceptibility to a disease known as Squirrel Pox Virus. They may carry the disease and contribute to its transmission to red squirrels, with fatal consequences. Instances of red squirrel death attributed to the virus has occurred in many parts of the UK, though there have been no reported incidences of this in Northern Ireland as yet. Go to the Invasive Species Ireland website for more information on grey squirrels.
Unlike the grey squirrel, red squirrels can survive in coniferous forests with their much smaller seeded tree species, and this specific habitat is often deemed a safe haven for reds. Neatly stripped conifer cones, perhaps piled up at a convenient feeding stump, will betray the presence of red squirrels in a conifer wood.
| Red Squirrel | Grey Squirrel |
| Body Length | 20-22 cm | 25-27 cm |
| Tail | 17-18 cm | 21-22 cm |
| Tail Colour | Can vary from dark brown/black to russet, often bleaching towards the tip. | Tail hairs banded grey and white giving a “halo” effect. |
| Weight | 275-305 g | 540-660 g |
| Shape | Slender | Stocky |
| Ears | Tufted, especially in winter | Never tufted. Pale patched behind |
Getting involved in red squirrel conservation
- Report sightings of red and grey squirrels to the Centre for Environmental Data and Recording (CEDaR) by email on cedar.info@nmni.com or by telephone on 028 9039 5256.
- Contact your local biodiversity officer for information on red squirrel initiatives in your area.
- Join a red squirrel group - click here to find out about the Glens Red Squirrel Group in Antrim.
- Foresters/ woodland managers click here for advice on habitat management for red squirrels.
- For information on supplementary feeding of red squirrels click here.
- For more general information on conservation of red squirrels in Northern Ireland visit the Forest Service NI website.
Other useful links
View the All Ireland Red Squirrel Action plan here.
