“A rare sighting of a red squirrel has been reported in Scotland’s central belt, marking a significant event for the region. The squirrel was observed darting along a fence in Lanette Perry’s garden in Bishopbriggs, East Dunbartonshire.
This sighting is notable because it represents one of the most southerly appearances of red squirrels in Scotland’s central belt in decades. Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels (SSRS), a project spearheaded by the Scottish Wildlife Trust, attributes the red squirrel’s unexpected appearance to ongoing conservation efforts.
SSRS spokeswoman Katie Berry commented, ‘While we can’t pinpoint the exact reason for this red squirrel’s appearance in this location, it likely reflects the success of grey squirrel control measures in northern areas and possibly the growing pine marten population in the Central Lowlands.’
Scotland is home to over 75% of the UK’s remaining red squirrels, yet their numbers have dwindled to approximately 120,000 due to several factors. The spread of invasive grey squirrels, introduced from North America in the late 1800s, has been a major contributor to the decline. Grey squirrels not only outcompete red squirrels for resources but also carry squirrelpox, a virus fatal to reds but harmless to themselves. Additionally, habitat destruction has exacerbated the red squirrel’s plight.
Supported by the Scottish government’s Nature Restoration Fund, SSRS is actively monitoring squirrel populations, managing squirrelpox impacts, and addressing the spread of grey squirrels in critical areas. The introduction of pine martens, which are believed to prey more on grey squirrels than red squirrels, may also be influencing these dynamics.
The organization urges the public to report any sightings of red or grey squirrels and to provide photographs if possible to aid their conservation efforts.”