Following on from research by Dr Emma Sheehy at the National University of Ireland, Galway, a team at Queens University Belfast is trying to shed light on what exactly is going on in the interaction between red squirrels, grey squirrels and pine martens -- and they need your help. Researcher Lily Price explains....A glimmer of hope for the long-term future of the … [Read more...] about Does the Pine marten have a role to play in the conservation of the red squirrel?
red squirrel
Friends in high places: red squirrels, grey squirrels and pine martens
There are two squirrel species found in Ireland. The native red squirrel, Sciurus vulgaris, and the invasive North American grey squirrel, Sciurus carolinensis. In Ireland, the UK and Italy the grey squirrel threatens the survival of the red squirrel as the effects of competition and disease from grey squirrels almost inevitably lead to total replacement of the red squirrel … [Read more...] about Friends in high places: red squirrels, grey squirrels and pine martens
Red Squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris)
The red squirrel is Ireland’s only native squirrel, and perhaps the cutest member of the rodent family. This endearing little tree-dweller, with its characteristic bushy tail and ear-tufts, thrived in the large forests of Scots pine that were common in Ireland after the last ice age. In time these Scots pine forests dwindled and were replaced by deciduous species less suited to … [Read more...] about Red Squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris)
The history of the Red Squirrel in Ireland
The red squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris) is one of our most charismatic species, found in woodlands in many parts of Ireland and is an animal that warms the hearts of those lucky enough to observe it. In recent years the decline of the red squirrel has been associated with the spread of the introduced North American grey squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis), although recent work by Emma … [Read more...] about The history of the Red Squirrel in Ireland
Pine marten populations on the rise says new research
A new study by researchers at NUI Galway and Waterford Institute of Technology shows that populations of the pine marten, one of Ireland's most elusive mammals, have recovered to healthy levels in areas of the Irish midlands.The research, which will be published in the European Journal of Wildlife Research, used DNA analysis to asses pine marten populations in the midlands and … [Read more...] about Pine marten populations on the rise says new research
