Save Our Squirrels - it's a red alert

Published on Monday 12 March 2007 01:10

WITH their tufted ears and bushy tails, red squirrels are one of Scotland's most iconic species.

But our native squirrels are under threat and Scotsman readers are being asked to play their part in protecting them.

The Scotsman Wildlife Watch returns this weekend, with a special focus on squirrels.

Readers are again being asked to go into gardens, city parks and the countryside and report back on what they see.

Written records and photographs will be collected by The Scotsman and passed to the SWT and Biological Recording in Scotland (BRISC), which will pass them on to local records centres.

The aim of the project is to build up a picture of Scotland's wildlife and to try to spot any shifts as our climate appears to continue changing.

The results won't be scientific but they will give a snapshot of what is going on and may help conservation bodies look after our wildlife.

The Wildlife Watch - which has been extended this spring to run from Friday through to Monday to allow more schools to take part - is supported by the SWT. The trust is keen to hear from readers who have spotted species on its wildlife reserves. For more details of reserves, visit www.swt.org.uk

This weekend's Wildlife Watch is the second in a series of four surveys over the coming year, one for each season.

Readers' notes from the first Wildlife Watch, which took place in December, have been passed on to the SWT and BRISC and the results will be revealed in tomorrow's issue.

As part of this season's survey, readers are asked to keep an eye out for squirrels: Scotland's native reds and their grey cousins.

Scottish Natural Heritage is running the Scottish Squirrel Survey to find out where red squirrels still have strongholds and to identify how far north grey squirrels have travelled.

"It's difficult to do any kind of conservation if we don't know where our squirrels are," said Dr Mel Tonkin, the Scottish Squirrel Survey co-ordinator.

"Obviously, we need to know where the important populations of red squirrels are but, because the main problem is competition with grey squirrels, we also need to know where grey squirrels are."

Grey squirrels, introduced to the UK from North America in the 19th century, are thought to have advanced as far north as the Clyde on the west coast and up to Arbroath on the east coast, with a pocket of greys in Aberdeen spreading out along the Don and Dee valleys.

There are still strong red squirrel populations in Dumfries and Galloway and the Borders but most are found north of the Highland line.

Dr Tonkin is surveying particular areas of woodland but is keen to hear about sightings in other areas. "That's where people can help," she said. "They can be our extra eyes and ears. Many people see grey squirrels in their gardens all the time but one record of that may be the only record we've got. People tend to think we know these things but we really don't."

Red squirrels come into conflict with the greys and compete for food. Red squirrels also appear to be under threat from the destruction of their habitat.

So get out this weekend and make a note of any wildlife you see - photographs and written records. A selection will be published in The Scotsman next week.

Which species might you spot in Scotland in March?

SPRING is starting to arrive all around Scotland and our wildlife is making the most of the changing seasons.

Bird song is on the increase as large winter flocks begin to disperse and males begin to assert their authority over their territories.

Simon Jones, a wildlife reserve manager with the Scottish Wildlife Trust, said readers may well be able to spot some of the tell-tale signs of spring over the weekend.

"The classics signs that herald the start of spring are things like frogs' spawn," he said. "There has been some frogs' spawn around now for two or three weeks. The frogs have already finished breeding to a degree.

"Another classic sign is the emergence of peacock butterflies, which hibernate as adults over the winter," he went on. "They'll be coming out in southern areas and the Central Belt around about now."

Some of the early indicators in woodland areas, such as primroses, are starting to flower, while bluebells shoots are beginning to push up too.

"For the past fortnight or so, I've noticed a real change in the behaviour of birds," Mr Jones said.

"It's hard to put your finger on, but you just start hearing birds singing a lot more. They won't be into the dawn chorus yet, but you will hear birds calling."

Goldcrests and other woodland birds are beginning to sing, along with common garden birds, such as dunnocks, thrushes, blackbirds and robins. In terms of mammals, it's still a little early to see fox and badger cubs emerging, but their parents may be foraging for food.

The life-cycles of birds of prey, such as buzzards, are tied in with those of their prey, such as young rabbits.

HOW YOU CAN TAKE PART

WHAT do I have to do?

Go outside this weekend and make a record of the wildlife you see. Take photographs or make notes and e-mail them to [e-mail] often or post to: Wildlife Watch, The Scotsman, 108 Holyrood Road, Edinburgh, EH8 8AS.

What notes should I take?

The name of the species, the date you saw it, where you saw it (preferably including a postcode or six-figure grid reference), and include your name and contact details. The records will be passed to the SWT and BRISC, which may use them in their work.

What should I look for?

As part of the Scottish Squirrel Survey, readers are encouraged to look out for red and grey squirrels. We also want to hear about other species.

What should I take?

Take a pen and paper to note sightings. If you have binoculars take them, because it is important you correctly identify the creatures you see. Take your camera too, because photographs can be useful for identifying species.

Where should I go?

We are interested in wildlife sightings from towns and cities, through to the countryside and coast. Sightings on Scottish Wildlife Trust reserves are also welcome.