{
  "id": 11477450,
  "title": "Q&A: Why are red squirrels endangered—and can we save them?",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/02/q-a-why-are-red-squirrels-endangered-and-can-we-save-them",
  "topic": "science",
  "section": "Science",
  "published": "2026-10-02T16:20:01.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Phys.org",
    "slug": "phys-org",
    "url": "https://phys.org/news/2026-10-qa-red-squirrels-endangered.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Once a common sight across Britain, the red squirrel has vanished from most of its former territory. Dr. Kat Hamill, a senior lecturer in zoology at Nottingham Trent University, sheds light on the factors contributing to the decline and the potential for conservation efforts to revive this iconic mammal. The Eurasian red squirrel, native only to the UK, was once widespread across England, Scotland, Wales, and Ireland, with historical populations estimated in the millions. However, today, red squirrels have disappeared from up to 95% of their former range in England. Scotland now hosts around 75% of Britain's remaining red squirrels, with smaller populations found in northern England, parts of Wales, Northern Ireland, and a few offshore islands. There are currently about 287,000 red squirrels left in Britain, fewer than 40,000 in England alone. Classified as endangered in England and Wales and near threatened in Scotland, the species faces significant challenges. The introduction of the eastern gray squirrel from North America in the late 19th century marked a turning point. Gray squirrels spread rapidly, currently numbering around 2.7 million. These larger squirrels outcompete red squirrels for resources and carry squirrelpox virus, which can devastate red squirrel populations. Outbreaks, such as the one in Merseyside in 2008, can cause local red squirrel populations to plummet by nearly 90% in just over a year. This combination of competition and disease has led to the rapid replacement of red squirrels by grays in many parts of Britain. Gray squirrels' adaptability, broad diet, greater energy reserves, and flexible behavior contribute to their success. They can thrive in various environments, from forests to urban areas, and efficiently digest acorns and other large seeds. Their larger size allows them to build up energy reserves, aiding survival during food shortages. Furthermore, gray squirrels possess problem-solving abilities and can adapt quickly to new situations, enabling rapid population growth when food is abundant. While gray squirrels have become invasive in the UK and beyond, their success is not universal. They excel in broadleaf woodlands, while red squirrels can thrive in large conifer forests. Scotland's extensive conifer forests provide crucial refuges for red squirrels, supporting around three-quarters of the remaining population. Offshore islands like the Isle of Wight and Brownsea Island remain naturally protected from gray squirrels. Conservationists have employed landscape management strategies, such as controlling gray squirrel movement and preventing their spread into red squirrel strongholds. In Merseyside, for instance, focused control efforts have helped preserve the red squirrel population. Pine martens, a native predator, have shown promise in aiding red squirrel recovery in some areas, though the relationship is complex. Research suggests pine martens may have a more significant impact on gray squirrels than on red squirrels. This insight could potentially benefit red squirrels if pine marten populations recover. Scientists are also exploring direct interventions, such as developing a squirrelpox vaccine and studying the impact of pine martens on squirrel populations. Understanding these threats and devising effective strategies is crucial for the survival of Britain's remaining red squirrel populations.",
  "summary": "The red squirrel was once a familiar sight across Britain. Today, it has disappeared from much of its former range. Dr. Kat Hamill, senior lecturer in zoology at Nottingham Trent University, explains what has happened to one of Britain's most recognizable native mammals—and whether science and conservation can help bring it back.",
  "key_points": [
    "Red squirrels endangered in 95% of former British range",
    "Gray squirrels outcompete reds for resources, spread disease",
    "Conservation efforts focus on controlling gray squirrel spread"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}