While 75% of the UK’s remaining red squirrels are found in Scotland, their numbers have fallen drastically in recent decades. Angus continues to provide a home for many, but, since the 1980s the non-native grey squirrels have spread north from Perth and the Central Belt.
T hese grey squirrels not only out-compete reds, some also carry the deadly squirrelpox virus. As a result, red squirrels have slowly disappeared from some areas.
Angus, and the wider Tayside region, are on the forefront of red squirrel protection in Scotland.
Without action, grey squirrels could continue to spread northwards, threatening the healthy red squirrels of the Scottish Highlands.
Furthermore, if these grey squirrels were able to connect with the ‘island’ population in Aberdeen, which does not currently carry squirrelpox, the effects could be devastating.
By reporting squirrel sightings, spotters are helping SSRS monitor changes in red and grey squirrel numbers across the Tayside region.
Anyone who spots red squirrels while out and about in local woodland can report their sightings to https://scottishsquirrels.org.uk/.
