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Scotland is fortunate to be blessed with incredible wildlife, much of it easily accessible even from larger population areas. With iconic creatures like Scottish wildcats, red deer, and golden eagles, the country is an animal-lover's dream.
Another creature synonymous with Scotland is the red squirrel. But populations have been badly hampered by the invasive grey species, which arrived in Britain from North America in the 19th century.
The grey creatures compete with the reds for food and carry the squirrelpox disease that does not impact them but can be deadly in reds. It means the native red species has been pushed back with reds now almost completely confined to Scotland and northern England on the British mainland.
Efforts have been underway for years to protect the reds and this years Saving Scotland's Red Squirrels (SSRS) survey painted an optimistic picture for the creature. Coinciding with Red Squirrel Appreciation Week and supported by survey partner, Trees for Life, the survey took place in October aims to provide a snapshot of squirrel populations up and down the country.
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The public was encouraged to report sightings of reds and greys. There were over 1,000 confirmed red squirrel sightings with the animals being recorded everywhere from Sutherland in the north to Dumfries and Galloway in the south, save for the Central Belt where greys are still dominant.
One region has emerged as Scotland's red squirrel capital. Perth and Kinross accounts for a over a fifth of all sightings. Other hotspots include Aberdeenshire and Aberdeen, where reds are returning to urban gardens and parks.
The Moray Firth coast, Loch Lomond and the Trossachs, and Dumfries and Galloway coast were also blessed with plenty of reds, as was the Borders area. Sightings of greys were thankfully rare north of the Highland boundary line, recognised by experts as a key area for preventing their spread.
Gail Turney, Programme Manager for Saving Scotland's Red Squirrels, said: "With over 1,100 participants, it's clear the people of Scotland love red squirrels and find joy in seeing this iconic species on walks, in gardens and (with any luck!) spotting them at our guided events.
"As well as providing us with really useful data, the Great Scottish Squirrel Survey also demonstrates how many people are passionate about red squirrels and are willing to do their bit to make sure there is always a home for them here in Scotland. Don't forget, you can submit your squirrel sightings all year round, we love to hear about them."
SSRS uses public sightings data year-round to shape its monitoring and control work, all with the aim of protecting red squirrels and expanding their habitat.
Steve Micklewright, Chief Executive at Trees for Life, added: "Sightings from the Highlands, particularly in the north and west, provide vital data and insight into the new and expanding red squirrel populations. Thank you to everyone contributing to the protection and restoration of these iconic animals."
You can add your squirrel sightings to the SSRS map at scottishsquirrels.org.uk.
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