FAQ: Where is grey squirrel spread threatening red squirrel populations in Scotland today?
This map shows the approximate picture red and grey squirrel distribution in Scotland today.
Compare this map to this picture of red and grey squirrel distribution in Scotland in the 1990’s to see how grey squirrels have spread in the last ten years alone.
These maps show that dense grey squirrel populations exist across the entire Scottish lowlands, and that their presence and spread has caused the red squirrel to disappear almost entirely from this area. From this base, the grey squirrel is now spreading northwards across Tayside, Perthshire and Angus. A large colony of greys also exists in Aberdeen city and the grey is now spreading from there across Aberdeenshire and towards Grampian. Greys, some carrying squirrelpox, are spreading into south Scotland from England.
Despite the extensive spread of grey squirrels to date, there still hope for the red squirrel. Strong red squirrel populations still exist in areas of north Scotland which so far remain unoccupied by greys. Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels (SSRS) is working to halt the decline of red squirrel populations in these key areas of north Scotland through the prevention of further grey squirrel spread as well as working with landowners and Forestry Commission Scotland to improve habitat conditions to help red squirrels thrive and increase in number. SSRS believes that the landscape of northern Scotland will help protect remaining strong red squirrel populations as steeper terrain and mountainous ranges separate woodland habitats and act as formidable obstacles to grey squirrel expansion.
Find out what SSRS is doing to protect red squirrels in your area and how you can get involved.
Distribution data is used to create approximate pictures based on the results of the Scottish Squirrel Survey, an ongoing system of recording squirrel sightings across Scotland. Report your squirrel sightings to the Scottish Squirrel Survey via your local red squirrel group.
