20 January 2023
Squirrels may be annoying at fowl feeders however their expressions may be endearing.
In case you assume our japanese grey squirrels (Sciurus carolinensis) are cute you should see the native crimson squirrel of Europe (Sciurus vulgaris).
Sat at my desk making an attempt to pay attention however… pic.twitter.com/QhUHkoBZPW
— Ian Carter (@IanCarter67) June 8, 2022
These native squirrels have been declining within the UK, Eire, and Italy because of competitors from japanese grey squirrels, imported from North America within the Nineties and unfold by people to new places(*).
Nevertheless, the native crimson squirrels are stabilizing in Scotland, partially as a result of European pine martens (Martes martes) are rising they usually selectively prey on grey squirrels.
The European pine marten is fairly cute, too.
p.s. Grey (gray) squirrels are invasive within the UK however a 2016 research discovered that their populations are genetically distinct from their neighbors they usually didn’t invade new locations on their very own. People unfold them!
One of many worst offenders at spreading gray squirrels was the eleventh Duke of Bedford, Herbrand Russell. Russell was concerned in lots of profitable animal conservation initiatives, however launched and gifted many gray squirrels across the UK from his residence at Woburn Park.
Russell additionally launched populations in Regent’s Park, doubtless creating the London epidemic of greys.
(photographs from Wikimedia Commons; click on on the captions to see the originals)