 The
Red Squirrel
Red squirrel numbers in Ireland have been on the decline
for the better part of a century, indeed, in many parts
of the country, particularly the south, they have
disappeared completely. The decline in
numbers can be attributed to two main factors. The
first factor was the reduction in forestry during the
mid 19th century and the second the introduction of the
American grey squirrel in the late19th century as an
ornamental species.
So great has the spread of the grey squirrel been that
the native red has been forced into a few pockets of
conifer forests in the hinterland of Ireland. With
the planting of blocks of pine forest in many parts of
Ireland over the last number of years, the red's numbers
have been holding steady in those areas.
Ironically the practice of planting broad leafed trees
in Ireland has contributed to the rise in grey squirrel
numbers as they invade areas once the habitat of the red
squirrel.
Building its home in a hollow tree trunk or the
confluence of sturdy branches, the female red squirrel
can raise up to six young each summer. Its store
cupboard of acorns and nuts is well known to all as it
garners away the surplus of autumn in its secretive
places for the onset of winter
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