Munster Squirrel Project
Emily Goldstein

A further new project has just been launched to determine the current distribution of red and grey squirrels in Munster. This project aims to model and map the future range expansion of the grey squirrel and predict the effects on the native red squirrel.

Background

Grey squirrels were introduced into Ireland in 1911 into Co. Longford. Since their release, grey squirrels have spread rapidly to the north, east and south. Red squirrels are unable to compete effectively with the grey squirrels for food resources. Once grey squirrels move into a woodland red squirrel populations tend to dwindle and disappear within a few squirrel generations (O'Teangana et al. 2000).

At the time of the most recent squirrel survey (Carey et al. 2007) grey squirrels were shown to have advanced south from their introduction site in Longford to Limerick, South Tipperary and Waterford. It is currently unknown whether grey squirrels have invaded Cork, however due to suitable habitat and their present distribution it is seen as a likely event in the near future if it has not already taken place.

This new project (begun September 2010) aims to accurately locate the current location of the invasion front of grey squirrels in Munster. Populations at the invasion front will be examined with reference to other populations of red and grey squirrels in the country to see if the densities and breeding rates of the animals differ in these locations. A mathematical population model will be used to predict the future spread of grey squirrels in Ireland.

How You Can Help

If you have observed a red or grey squirrel or even a pine marten in recent years in Munster, whether it be direct observation in woodlands or even dead animals at roadsides, we would like to hear from you! Any information on the presence and/or absence of any or all of these species could be of help to us, particularly in this the initial phase of the project. To report a sighting, please fill in our online survey form or alternatively you can call Emily on 021 4901944 or 087 1735115.

Thank You!

References:
Carey, M., Hamilton, G., Poole, A. and Lawton, C. (2007).  The Irish Squirrel Survey 2007.  COFORD, Dublin.
O'Teangana, D., Reilly, S., Montgomery, W. I., & Rochford, J. (2000).  Distribution and status of the red squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris) and grey squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis) in Ireland.  Mammal Review, 30(1): 45-56..