Shannon Region Project – The Spread of Grey Squirrels to the West of Ireland
Margaret Flaherty

The latest project being undertaken by the NUIG Mammal Ecology Group is looking at the spread of grey squirrels to the west of Ireland.

Background

2011 marked 100 years since the introduction of grey squirrels to Ireland. In 1911, six pairs of breeding grey squirrels were released in the Castleforbes Estate in Co. Longford. Since then the species has expanded its distribution in all directions except westwards, where the River Shannon has appeared to form an obstacle to its spread.

In the years following the introduction of grey squirrels to Ireland, there has been a marked decline in the population of red squirrels. In some areas red squirrels have completely disappeared. The two species of squirrel compete for the same foods and the grey squirrel also carries a disease, Squirrel Pox Virus (SQPV), which is lethal to red squirrels should they contract it. Not alone are grey squirrels causing the disappearance of one of Ireland’s much loved native species, but they are causing damage to trees which is negatively impacting the forestry industry in Ireland. Grey squirrels engage in an activity known as “bark stripping”. This causes considerable damage to the quality of wood and has also resulted in tree deaths.

How You Can Help

If you have observed red or grey squirrels in the Shannon Region in recent years, we would like to hear from you, whether it is a direct observation or even a dead animal at the roadside. If you have noticed any damage to trees that you think may have been caused by squirrels in this area we would like to know about it. In addition, if there has been a notable increase of red and/or grey squirrels, or the disappearance of either squirrel species in a particular area, please let us know.

To report a sighting or other information regarding squirrel activity in the Shannon Region please fill in our online survey form or alternatively you can call Margaret on 091 492903 or 087 1867664. You can also email margaret.flaherty@nuigalway.ie