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In the beginning, Ireland's woods and forests abounded with native Red Squirrels, similar to this cute little one photographed at Mount Stewart in N.Ireland. (D850 with nikon 500mm. Pf @ 500mm., ISO 800, f5.6 1/80 Sec.). Handheld. 01/11/18.
Then, in 1911, six pairs of N. American Grey Squirrels were introduced into Southern Ireland "as an attractive addition to the native wildlife" ! This unfortunate, albeit, well meant, practice was quite common at the turn of the century, and almost always created havoc and endangered the delicate balance of the host ecosystem with many indigenous plants and animals being put under severe stress. So it was for the native Reds.
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The Greys are bigger and out compete the Reds for available food, and also carry the deadly virus Parapox (to which they are immune ) but have spread it to the Reds, to whom it is fatal.
Consequently, up until the last few years the Reds have become an endangered species here and in the rest of Gt. Britain, while the Greys are now at virtual pest proportions (I sometimes get as many as 5 at once in my suburban back garden !) This shot of a "flying" Grey was taken 100 metres from my home with D5 and 500mm Pf ISO 250, 1/1600 Sec. Handheld.
Now, an unlikely saviour for the Reds may be stepping into the spotlight --- The Pine Marten.
Pine Martens have been around for as long as the red Squirrels and indeed have always had them on their menu, but new research suggests that the Martens actually prefer to concentrate on the Greys. Being larger and heavier they cannot get out onto the thinner tree branches like the smaller, lighter Reds, and so are easier to catch. Now they are a major part of the Marten's diet and Marten population numbers are rising as a result.
The shot below of a mother, with 2 kits (nearest the camera) was taken in Ballyfin, County Lois, Southern Ireland on 03/08/20 with D5 and 70-200mm @ f8 ISO 12800 1/800 Sec.. Handheld.
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Pine Martens are well adapted for an arboreal life, have sharp teeth and claws, and they have now also taken to raiding the Grey Squirrels dreys (overnight nests) in the spring, so mother Greys and their young are being wiped out in one attack --- the net result is benefiting the Reds and the Pine Martens and helping to redress the balance.
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Now that food is more plentiful and litters are larger, there is more time to play . So lets hope there is a happy ending to this story for the little Reds !
