FAQ: Is habitat loss a factor in red squirrel decline?
Habitat for red squirrels in Scotland is increasing overall as large commercial conifer plantations continue to mature to cone-producing age. However, despite this, red squirrels are being lost in many local areas as small-scale forests are removed for development or changes in land-use take place. This leads to habitat fragmentation, where areas of woodland and forestry become ever smaller and increasingly segmented and isolated. These fragments of woodland cannot sustain viable populations of wildlife, including red squirrels.
Poor habitat quality is another problem faced by red squirrels. Many of the larger commercial forests are dominated by a single species of conifer and, although of large extent, often do not support many red squirrels. The addition of even small areas of tree species favoured by red squirrels and small changes in felling regime can make all the difference to the health of the local red squirrel population.
SSRS aims to directly address these problems by working with landowners and foresters in key areas to improve habitat conditions to help red squirrels thrive. Read more.
For advice on forest and woodland management to favour red squirrels, contact your local SSRS project officer or, if you live outwith our project areas, please seek advice from your local Forestry Commission Scotland Woodland Officer.
General guidance on the species and planting schemes to benefit red squirrels is currently being prepared by the project.
Habitat improvement is one of the project aims for SSRS. Habitat management can help red squirrels thrive and increase in number, however improvements need time to take effect and it can take years to develop habitats. It is an important part of a long-term strategy but this type of action is not enough in the short-term to protect red squirrels and ensure their survival.
At this time, the prevention of grey squirrel spread in key areas of north Scotland along with the containment of greys and the squirrelpox virus in south Scotland is the only solution in the short-term to help red squirrels survive.
