Red Squirrel

Sciurus vulgaris

Inverness-shire, Scotland - July 2003

The Red Squirrel has been displaced from much of its former range in Britain by its larger North American cousin, the Grey Squirrel, although loss of its preferred habitat of mature hazel and pine forests is probably also a large factor in its decline. Another contributary factor is disease, with Red Squirrels being highly susceptible to parvovirus (pox) infections which Grey Squirrels are largely immune to and who may act as carriers of the disease, further weakening the Red Squirrels ability to compete.

Inverness-shire, Scotland - July 2003

The population crashed dramatically 50 years ago when myxomatosis was introduced to control their numbers. At present, rabbit numbers are on the increase again due to increased immunity to myxomatosis among the survivors and an attenuation of the myxoma virus.

Inverness-shire, Scotland - July 2003

Melanistic forms are rare in the native British Red Squirrels, but are common on the continent and the black-tinged fur of most of the small population in Formby, Merseyside, betrays their origins. Most of the individuals there are descendants of continental squirrels introduced in the early part of the 20th Century.

Merseyside, England - August 2006

Merseyside, England - August 2006

Merseyside, England - August 2006

Merseyside, England - April 2008

Merseyside, England - April 2008