Frequently Asked Questions
Click on the questions below to find out more about the plight of the red squirrel in Scotland, what project Saving Scotland's Red Squirrels (SSRS) is doing and why action is necessary now.
Squirrel nuts and bolts: simple squirrel ecology for reds and greys
- How are red squirrels different from grey squirrels?
- How many squirrels are there in Scotland today?
- How are grey and red squirrels distributed in Scotland today?
- How long have red and grey squirrels been in Scotland?
- Red squirrels are a native species. What does this mean?
- Why is it important to protect native species?
- Grey squirrels are an invasive (non-native) species. What does this mean?
- Where can I see red squirrels in Scotland?
- Are there any other red squirrels left elsewhere in the UK?
- Are red squirrels an endangered species?
- Are red squirrels protected by law?
- Are there any laws for grey squirrels?
The plight of the red squirrel: problems and threats
- Why are red squirrel populations in decline in Scotland?
- What are the main threats facing red squirrels in Scotland today?
- Why is the spread of grey squirrels the main threat to red squirrel survival?
- Does the presence of the grey squirrel always result in a decline in red squirrel populations?
- Can the effect that grey squirrel presence has on red squirrel populations be seen anywhere already?
- Where is grey squirrel spread threatening red squirrel populations in Scotland today?
- What is squirrelpox?
- Is there a vaccine against the squirrelpox virus?
- Are red squirrels developing immunity to the squirrelpox virus?
- Is habitat loss a factor in red squirrel decline?
- How long does the red squirrel have left in Scotland?
Protecting red squirrels: methods and means
- What action needs to be taken to protect remaining strong red squirrel populations in north Scotland?
- Is the prevention of grey squirrel spread the only solution to protect Scotland’s red squirrels?
- When does action need to be taken?
- Grey squirrel expansion is the main threat to red squirrel survival. How can the spread of grey squirrels be stopped?
- How successful is control activity as a method to protect red squirrels?
- The grey squirrel has already spread rapidly across the Scottish lowlands and England. Is there still hope for the red squirrel?
- How might the landscape of north Scotland help control activity succeed?
- Are there any alternatives to controlling grey squirrel numbers in order to protect red squirrels?
- Is there a contraceptive available to prevent grey squirrels breeding?
- Is there a contraceptive available to prevent grey squirrels breeding?
- What about creating red squirrel sanctuaries?
- What about creating red squirrel sanctuaries?
- What about increasing red squirrel numbers through captive breeding programmes?
- What about increasing red squirrel numbers through captive breeding programmes?
- Can habitat management help red squirrels survive in Scotland for the future?
- Can habitat management help red squirrels survive in Scotland for the future?
About Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels
- What is Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels?
- How can you help?
- What are the project aims?
- How long will the project last?
- How much will the project cost?
- Where will the project operate?
- Who works for the project?
- How is the project being managed?
- Do other red conservation groups exist in Scotland?
- What is Red Squirrels in South Scotland?
- What are the project’s control methods?
- Does SSRS drown squirrels?
- Does SSRS use poison to control squirrels
- Who carries out the control of greys on behalf of SSRS?
- Are your control methods safe for red squirrels and other animals?
- What happens at the end of the project?
- What are the success criteria for the project?
- Will this project secure the future of the red squirrel in Scotland?
