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Although numbers of red squirrels in the UK have increased and decreased in the past, they now face an uncertain future, and today they are rarely seen out with their remaining strongholds in Scotland and northern England. |
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Threats to red squirrel survival include loss of suitable habitat and disease however, the biggest problem they face is the continuing spread of the introduced American grey squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis). |
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Squirrel
monitoring programmes help us to collect information on the
distribution of red and grey squirrels in Dumfries and Galloway
and the Scottish Borders, allowing us to identify areas of
importance where habitat management or grey squirrel control
will benefit red squirrel populations. |
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Over the next two years we will be focussing our efforts on the 3km buffer zones around the Priority Woodlands and will be working with local communities to provide better protection for the red squirrels within these woodlands. This work is replicated by Red Squirrel Conservation Officers in the north of England to provide a holistic, cross-border approach. |
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