Squirrels - red or grey, on the railways or otherwise: merged topic

[whole diary]

[broadgage]

I didn’t think there were any reds other than on the IoW, Scotland and a couple of isolated English towns in the North?

That was the case in past, but red squirrels can now be seen in several suburbs of London, often beside railway lines.

[froome]

I didn’t think there were any reds other than on the IoW, Scotland and a couple of isolated English towns in the North?

Also quite a healthy population on Anglesey (I've seen some, sadly including a squashed one on the road outside the red squirrel centre...) and reputedly a population in Clocaenog Forest, Denbighshire.

When we were in Anglesey last week I was reading a notice at Penrhos Country Park that said that red squirrels are now very common on the island and found in most of the woodlands there. Which was a surprise to me as I've visited Anglesey probably 100 times over the last 30 years and have never seen a red squirrel there, alive or dead (I was aware there were some there as there are signs up on some of the roads alerting people to them, but not 'very common'). The notice did also say that a grey squirrel had recently been seen in the area, so a lot of keen eyes were now looking out for it, to 'remove' it from the island.

[Chris from Nailsea]

A rather touching story from Cornwall - from the BBC^» (British Broadcasting Corporation - home page):

Swan and squirrel spotted 'kissing' - an unlikely match

It's not long until Valentine's Day, but the wildlife in Cornwall seem to be kicking things off with a kiss - between a swan and a squirrel.



This moment was snapped by Kevin Bowers, who was taking a stroll around Tehidy Country Park yesterday.  "I was near the car park", Mr Bowers said, "and I saw the squirrel go towards the swan, and swan towards the squirrel, there was no aggression from either.  They touched beak to nose, looked at each other, and the squirrel turned round and got back to picking up food in the area."

[Chris from Nailsea]

From the BBC^» (British Broadcasting Corporation - home page):

Drive to boost red squirrel numbers in Denbighshire


Nest boxes and feeders have been placed in the forest to help squirrels adjust.

A group of red squirrels has been released into the wild in a bid to boost their dwindling population.

There are currently fewer than 50 red squirrels in Clocaenog Forest in Ruthin, Denbighshire.

Officials hope seven new animals, released into the forest as part of a breeding programme, will help to boost numbers.

The woodland area, which had 400 red squirrels in 1998, has had a steady decline in the rodent's population.

Natural Resources Wales (NRW^» (Network Rail Western - about)) conservation manager Rhys Jenkins said: "Red squirrels are an important part of our environment, heritage and culture. We have a duty to protect them for future generations."

Red squirrels are native to the UK^▸ (United Kingdom), but their numbers have declined since the introduction of their grey cousins from North America.

Grey squirrels carry a deadly pox virus and out-compete the native reds for food.

NRW said it had worked closely with the a number of conservation groups and zoos which supplied some of the squirrels.


A team of volunteers built enclosures for the squirrels prior to their release.

The captive-bred squirrels were initially housed in two enclosures in the 15,000 acre forest to try and help them get used to their surroundings.

After four weeks, the enclosures were opened and the squirrels were given access to the forest, where a number of nest boxes and feeders have been placed.

The work contributes to the UK-wide collaboration Red Squirrels United (RSU).

Mr Jenkins added: "The squirrels will be monitored closely to track their progress, and hopefully we will be able to release even more of them in the future."

[bradshaw]

A recent report relating to Scotland shows that the increasing numbers of pine martens has boosted the population of red squirrels

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/science-environment-43317564/red-squirrels-boosted-by-pine-martens

[Red Squirrel]

Well I don't know about you lot, but I think the one in CfN's first pic is a definite swipe-right...

[stuving]

A recent report relating to Scotland shows that the increasing numbers of pine martens has boosted the population of red squirrels

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/science-environment-43317564/red-squirrels-boosted-by-pine-martens

Beat me to it!  Which is a shame, since it ruins my excuse to start with "wot no pine martens?"

Here's a fuller report, also from the BBC^» (British Broadcasting Corporation - home page):

The pine marten has emerged as an unlikely ally for the beleaguered native red squirrel in its battle with the grey squirrel.

This is according to scientists at the University of Aberdeen, who carried out an in-depth forensic study of the relationship between the three species.

The pine marten is a predator of the reds, but in areas where it thrives, the number of grey squirrels reduces.
...
"Red squirrels co-evolved with pine martens," explained Dr Sheehy. "They've managed to co-exist over such a long time and their population doesn't seem to be affected by losing the odd individual to a predator."

Grey squirrels on the other hand were introduced from the eastern coast of North America, where there are no pine martens.

"They aren't used to living with a predator so adept at climbing trees, and they spend a lot more time on the ground. So, theoretically, they are much more susceptible," Dr Sheehy told BBC News.

"We have the case of the recovery of one very rare protected species actually helping the recovery of another species, for which we didn't know what the future held.

"So it's kind of a two-in-one good news conservation story."

Co-author, Xavier Lambin, a professor of ecology at Aberdeen, commented: "Over time, this should lead to the near elimination of grey squirrels, though much uncertainty remains on the time required before this outcome materialises.

I think my crotchety old friend Mr. Darwin might have something so say about their prediction, though.

[eightonedee]

While night sleeper passengers will now be kept awake at night by the new BBC^» (British Broadcasting Corporation - home page) drama, another sinister threat has materialised on the North Downs line..

https://www.msn.com/en-gb/travel/news/squirrels-wreak-havoc-onboard-gatwick-train-causing-cancellation/ar-AA1qJAmQ?ocid=BingNewsSerp

Perhaps our Bristolian colleague may care to comment?!

[Clan Line]

Today's Telegraph:

[johnneyw]

I'm tempted to refer this article to one particular moderator on this forum for explanation but note that the likelihood is that these creatures are of the upstart grey and not the red variety.

[rogerpatenall]

Squirrel this one away for later

[Red Squirrel]

I cannot be held responsible for the actions of American Tree Rats.

[Chris from Nailsea]

I'm still on the floor laughing at this one. 

[Mark A]

Sounds like an urban fringe bustup. A couple of the Gomshall Greys travelled to stage a raid on the Redhill Reds, then, as usual, the greys' tiny brains lost the plot and they ended up having a set-to with the passengers on the train. Unpleasant for all concerned.

Hope someone called the British Transport Police, here's the BTP^▸ (British Transport Police) crime map for Redhill.

Mark

https://crimemaps.btp.police.uk/data/6250547/on-train/public-order

[ChrisB]

Being classed as vermin, it is illegal to release (grey) squirrels once trapped/caught/etc - so those two must have had a suicide pact...