Issued: 9 October 2007
COFORD-funded survey shows dramatic increase in Grey Squirrel spread
The results of a new survey on the present distribution of red and grey squirrels on the island of Ireland were launched today in a report published by COFORD, by Minister Mary Wallace, T.D., Minister for Forestry, at the National Botanic Gardens Dublin.
Red squirrels, though their distribution is somewhat fragmented, are still common in many parts of the country, particularly in the south and west. Unfortunately as a result of the presence of the grey squirrel, they have virtually disappeared from a number of counties, notably Meath, Westmeath, Louth, Carlow and Kilkenny.
The results show a dramatic spread of grey squirrels in recent years; the frontier of grey squirrel distribution has increased by around 30% in the last decade. Most apparent is the spread into the eastern counties of Antrim, Wicklow and Wexford. Grey squirrels are also now present in east Limerick and south Tipperary and for the first time have been confirmed on the west side of the River Shannon. They now occupy over half the land area of Ireland.
The results also suggest that the pine marten, one of Ireland's only predators of squirrels may be controlling numbers of grey squirrels in some areas, though more research is required to confirm this. However, the ongoing spread of grey squirrels presents a serious threat to the survival of the native red squirrel and to Ireland's increasing broadleaf tree resource because of the manner in which they strip bark off trees.
ends
The Irish Squirrel Survey 2007 - Michael Carey, Geoff Hamilton, Alan Poole and Colin Lawton