Red squirrels appear to be resilient to the impacts of climate change in Europe, according to new research.

Scientists at Bournemouth University used climate models to assess how well the species might cope under different climate change scenarios. They found that rising temperatures and reduced rainfall are unlikely to have a direct effect on the survival of red squirrels.

Instead, factors such as habitat quality, food availability and disease were shown to have a far greater influence. In southern England, red squirrels now survive only in isolated strongholds such as the Isle of Wight and Brownsea Island in Dorset, having been largely driven out by the introduction of grey squirrels from North America in the 19th century.

Red squirrels feed mainly on tree seeds, but also consume insects, fungi and birds’ eggs. Their range stretches across Europe – from Spain and Italy to northern Greece, Scandinavia and parts of western Russia – inhabiting both coniferous and deciduous woodland. This broad distribution suggests they are capable of adapting to a variety of climates.

The Bournemouth team examined how populations responded to shifts in temperature and rainfall. Conservation biologist Alyson Buchanan said the modelling showed red squirrels possess a “natural ability to adapt to a range of climatic conditions” even where food is scarce.

“We can see that red squirrel populations are not directly affected by current climate patterns in the models.

“Other factors such as habitat, food availability, disease and competing species appear to matter more and underline the need to maintain positive conservation efforts for this well-loved species.”

However, the species continues to struggle against competition from the larger and more dominant grey squirrel, which outcompetes reds for food and carries the squirrelpox virus, often fatal to native populations.

On the Isle of Wight, the Solent provides a natural barrier, shielding red squirrels from grey incursions and allowing the population there to endure.

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