Red Squirrels Reclaim Scottish Highlands After Decade-Long Rewilding Effort
A concerted 10-year reintroduction program has resulted in a more than 25% expansion of the red squirrel population’s range across the Scottish Highlands, offering a beacon of hope for the once-threatened species. The success story highlights the power of rewilding initiatives and provides a model for the recovery of other vulnerable wildlife.
A History of Decline and Near Extinction
The future of the red squirrel in Britain was once bleak. Historical persecution by foresters, who considered them pests, coupled with widespread habitat destruction, brought the species to the brink of extinction. Further complicating their recovery is the presence of the invasive grey squirrel, which carries a deadly virus – squirrel pox – to which red squirrels have little immunity.
Scotland: The Red Squirrel’s Last Stronghold
Today, Scotland remains the primary refuge for red squirrels in the United Kingdom, harboring approximately 80% of the nation’s estimated 200,000 individuals. The ongoing reintroduction project, spearheaded by the rewilding charity Trees for Life, has successfully established over a dozen new, thriving populations stretching from Ullapool to Morvern to Lairg.
“This rewilding success story is offering hope for the long-term survival of Scotland’s much-loved red squirrels, and shows how we can make a real and positive difference to our native wildlife,” stated a project manager at Trees for Life.
Expanding the Range and a Broader Rewilding Vision
Trees for Life intends to continue expanding the red squirrel’s territory through its “Missing Species” program. This ambitious initiative aims to reintroduce not only the red squirrel but also other crucial species to the Highlands ecosystem, including the lynx, beavers, and a breed intended to resemble the aurochs, the ancestor of modern cattle.
[Image of a northern lynx at the Highland wildlife park in Kingussie, Scotland. Photograph: Ann and Steve Toon/Alamy]
A Carefully Managed Reintroduction Process
The reintroduction process is meticulously managed. Small numbers of red squirrels are carefully relocated from healthy populations in Inverness-shire, Moray, and Strathspey to suitable woodlands in the north and northwest Highlands – areas where they are currently safe from grey squirrel encroachment. Red squirrels are naturally hesitant to cross large open spaces, making assisted relocation essential.
Before being moved, each squirrel undergoes a thorough health assessment. Furthermore, the program utilizes multiple donor sites to maintain genetic diversity within the reintroduced populations. Upon arrival in their new habitats, the squirrels receive supplementary food for several months to aid in their acclimation.
Return to Former Habitats
Prior to the reintroduction efforts, red squirrels had vanished from much of their historical range in the northern and northwestern Highlands, with the last confirmed sightings dating back to the 1970s. The current program represents a significant step towards restoring the species to its former distribution.
[Image of red squirrels being given supplementary food to help them settle. Photograph: Chris Aldridge]
Ecological Benefits Beyond Species Recovery
The return of the red squirrel is expected to have positive ripple effects throughout the Highland ecosystem. As natural foresters, red squirrels play a vital role in seed dispersal, often inadvertently planting new trees by burying and forgetting caches of nuts and seeds.
New Hope in the Fight Against Grey Squirrels
In September, the Animal and Plant Health Agency announced a potential breakthrough in controlling the grey squirrel population. An oral contraceptive, initially designed for rats, has demonstrated effectiveness when consumed by grey squirrels, with researchers currently refining the formula to maximize its impact.
Ongoing Threats and Isolated Successes
Despite the positive developments in Scotland, conservationists cautioned in 2024 that squirrel pox remains a significant threat to red squirrel populations in England. However, an isolated population of approximately 3,500 red squirrels continues to thrive on the Isle of Wight, demonstrating the species’ resilience and adaptability.
