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Donegal squirrel survey underway 28.11.12

A SURVEY is underway in the gardens and fields of Donegal North East - one of the last bastions for Ireland's embattled native red squirrel.
The region - including Inishowen - is an important habitat for the native red which is under increasing threat from the grey squirrel.
A new community wildlife initiative aimed at mapping the whereabouts of red and grey squirrels was recently launched in Buncrana. The organisers are asking for the public's help. Co-ordinator Anthony Robb said: “The greys are rapidly expanding their territories north and pushing the native red squirrels before them. In recent years North East Donegal has seen a big influx of red squirrels and now greys are starting to appear.
"If things are left unchecked, Inishowen will be the site of their last stand. We want to establish exactly where the red and grey populations are and how many are in each group. Armed with that information we can then undertake protective measures for our native reds," added Mr Robb.
The native Irish red squirrel.
Red squirrels are small mammals which depend on a woodland habitat to survive. Competition from grey squirrels, squirrel-pox virus, habitat fragmentation and road kills are their biggest threat. Their colour ranges from almost brown to chestnut on their back with a white underside. Their distinctive ear tufts make them unmistakable to their invasive cousins the grey squirrels. The greys are non-native and were introduced from America into Ireland in 1911. Today they are found all over Ireland. They can feed on a variety of nuts, fruit and flowers as well as stripping bark off trees to get to the sap. Grey squirrels are larger, more adaptable and more aggressive than the reds.
The public is urged to keep an eye out for red or grey squirrels when they are out and about in their gardens or walking in the woods and parks. Please report any sightings to Anthony on 086 0724821 or online at www.donegalsquirrelproject.com
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