Red Squirrel

Red squirrel

Distribution Description Can be found throughout Northern Ireland in It is believed that the red squirrel has been present in coniferous woodlands that provide a refuge for the Ireland since the end of the last ice age. They were red squirrel and is critical for the species’ survival. Red reintroduced to Ireland from Britain in the early 1800s squirrels are present throughout Fermanagh, Tyrone and were present in all counties in Ireland by early and Londonderry. 1900s.The population increased for a short time, then began to decline rapidly across the British Isles. Action The UK Strategy for Red Squirrel Conservation – With a distinct body shape and bushy tail, the red Action Plan for Northern Ireland was produced in squirrel is smaller than the grey squirrel. Red squirrels 2000, and a UK Species Action Plan (published in are brown with shades ranging from chestnut to grey- 1995). brown; with white belly fur. During the summer, the Northern Ireland Squirrel Forum (NISF) was tail fur fades to a pale cream and the ear tufts are established to bring together statutory and non- more or less absent. In winter, the body and tail fur is statutory organisations, representatives of country thick and dense and their long dark ear tufts become parks and local volunteer organisations, dedicated to noticeable. The red squirrel is usually found in tree protecting the red squirrels in Northern Ireland. canopies while grey squirrels stay on the ground. Implementation of the Northern Ireland habitat action plans for Oakwoods, Mixed Ashwoods and Parkland.

Further Information http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item= 5108

Red squirrels usually give birth twice a year – spring and summer. Litter size varies with an average of Mr Gary Middleton three young (kittens). After mating, females build a Democratic Unionist Party nest (drey) out of twigs and leaves and lines it with Constituency: Foyle grass and moss. The young are born bald and blind but grow quickly and are weaned after nine weeks. They feed on seeds, bark, nuts, fungi, berries, etc. They do not hibernate but find cover underground during winter when they feed on their food stash.

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