A rare red squirrel sighting has been reported in Scotland’s central belt. The squirrel was observed running along a fence in Lanette Perry’s garden in Bishopbriggs, East Dunbartonshire.

Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels (SSRS), a project led by the Scottish Wildlife Trust, noted that this is one of the southernmost red squirrel sightings in the central belt in decades.

The appearance of the species in this area is believed to be a result of ongoing conservation efforts.

SSRS spokeswoman Katie Berry said: “We cannot say exactly why this pioneering red has turned up in this location – it is perhaps testament to the grey control efforts in areas to the north in recent years, and possibly also as a result of increasing pine marten populations in the Central Lowlands.”

Although more than 75% of the UK’s remaining red squirrels are found in Scotland, their population has dwindled to approximately 120,000 in recent decades.

The decline is primarily due to the spread of the invasive grey squirrel, introduced from North America in the late 1800s to adorn stately home gardens.

Grey squirrels carry squirrelpox, a virus harmless to them but deadly to red squirrels. Additionally, the destruction of woodlands has further threatened the red squirrel population.

SSRS, supported by the Scottish government’s Nature Restoration Fund, is actively monitoring squirrel populations across Scotland. The organisation is managing the impact of squirrelpox and working to control the spread of grey squirrels in key areas.

They also suggest that the presence of pine martens, which are believed to prey on grey squirrels more than reds, could be positively affecting red squirrel numbers.

SSRS has urged the public to report sightings of both red and grey squirrels, along with photographs if possible.

 

 

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