Squirrels
Table of Contents
Introduction
Squirrels are indigenous to Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas but were introduced to Australia by humans.
Types of Squirrel
Flying Squirrels
Flying squirrels are one of the few types of mammal who have evolved to glide through the air. Unlike bats who evolved bird-like wings, these rodents have simple skin flaps between their limbs.
Black Flying Squirrel
Groove-Toothed Flying Squirrel
Japanese Giant Flying Squirrel
Northern Flying Squirrel
Siberian Flying Squirrel
Southern Flying Squirrel
This species lives in North America, from southeastern California to Florida.Â
"It is found in deciduous and mixed woods in the eastern half of North America, from southeastern Canada to Florida. Disjunct populations of this species have been recorded in the highlands of Mexico, Guatemala, and Honduras." - Wikipedia: Southern Flying Squirrel
Thomas's Flying Squirrel
Groundhog
Ground Squirrels
Ground squirrels burrow in grasslands, and stand on their hind legs to communicate, much like meercats.
European Souslik
Ground squirrels range from Europe to Asia
Marmots
Prairie Dogs
Tamias
Chipmunks
Tree Squirrels
These clever rodents can rotate their hind feet, enabling them to hang or descend from a tree head-first.
Grey Squirrels
Grey squirrels were imported to the UK from North America, and have pushed the native red squirrels towards extinction.Â
UK
If you live in the UK, then please scroll down to the Organizations section below to find out how you can help study or even catch grey squirrels in the race to help win back the UK from these invasives. So far efforts have been successful, and red squirrels are regaining their lost territory, but they still need all the help they can get!
Red Squirrels
Both America and Europe have red squirrels.
NatureScot: Red squirrel "Britain has just 160,000 or so native red squirrels. About 75% of them live in Scotland’s woodlands, parks and gardens."
Threats to Squirrels
Invasive Species
Invasive Plants
Non-Native Squirrels
UK red squirrels for example have been driven towards extinction by the introduction of American grey squirrels who were imported as pets by the Victorians.Â
Our native squirrels only eat a limited diet, while the invaders feed on many plants, easily outcompeting our natives. In addition they are more aggressive, driving red squirrels from their home territories.
Solutions
Reforestation & Forest Protections
Reintroduction
Report Sightings
Citizen science is a great way to get involved with science and conservation.Â
You can also click the Citizen Science button to see other ways to get involved, such as general nature surveys and reporting, transcribing historical records, and more!
We’ve Released 803 Squirrels at an Airport
14:17 minute video talking about the endangered souslik, and their translocation to areas similar to a similar airport to where they have been thriving. Some were also sent to bolster struggling populations in other places.
Resources & Guides
Europe
UK
Scotland
Scotland’s Red Squirrels: Frequently Asked Questions "Red squirrels are one of Scotland’s most loved animals, and they are our only native squirrel species."
Red Squirrels and Licensing "Licences for various activities affecting red squirrels are available, from surveys and research to social, economic or environmental purposes." These may be important for scientific projects.
North America
Lichen Use By Wildlife In North America This lists species of squirrel (including flying squirrels) and the lichens they rely on as food and nesting material.
Tools & Apps
Europe
UK
Northern Ireland
CEDaR (Center for Environmental Data and Recording) Online Recording Click the link to see what projects are available. They have specific links for Owls, Butterflies, Marine, Invasive Species, Lady Birds and more! Some of the links will take you to projects for specific regions including the Ring of Gullion and Belfast Hills.
Organizations
Europe
Slovakia
Mossy Earth
UK
Woodland Trust "After many years of absence, red squirrels have been reintroduced to Ledmore & Migdale woods. In October 2019 we partnered with conservation charity Trees for Life and together relocated 20 red squirrels from populations in Moray and Inverness to this beautiful spot in Sutherland."
2:45 minute video
Mammal Society "a UK based charity devoted to the study and conservation of the mammals of the British Isles. We aim to raise awareness of the issues mammals face and share our scientific research so they can be best protected in the future. Although a small team we are mighty, and are dedicated to helping mammals across the nation."
Northern Ireland
Ulster Wildlife: Red Squirrel Groups "Want to give red squirrels a helping hand in your area? Get involved with your local Red Squirrel Group. There are 14 groups in Northern Ireland who are working to protect reds through supplementary feeding, raising awareness of their plight, and removing invasive non-native grey squirrels." Includes map with directory.
Scotland
Local Network and Volunteer Group Directory "Landscape-scale community action is the key to the long-term survival of Scotland’s red squirrels."
Trees for Life "Rewilding the Scottish Highlands. / Ath-fhiadhachadh na Gà idhealtachd."
"Our vision is of a revitalised wild forest in the Highlands of Scotland, providing space for wildlife to flourish and communities to thrive."Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels "is working with local communities to ensure red squirrels will always be a part of Scotland’s special native wildlife. Together with partners, landowners and a network of local groups and volunteers, we are focused on the areas where red squirrels are most under threat from the spread of the invasive grey squirrel.
Our efforts are making a difference — in many places, red squirrels are already making a comeback. However, there is still a lot of work to do. With your help, we can continue to protect them."
North America
Canada
USA
Alaska
Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center (AWCC) "Most of the animals that have come to AWCC have either been orphaned or injured. With consent from the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, animals taken in by AWCC are cared for by our animal care staff and are given a permanent home at AWCC."
Maps
North America
USA
Texas
Nongame Grants and Research (applies to flying squirrels and ground squirrels)"Funds to conduct research or conservation activities on federal/state listed species or Species of Greatest Conservation Need are available periodically through Texas Parks and Wildlife Department's Wildlife Division. External researchers can apply for funds through the Conservation License Plate Grant Program, State Wildlife Grants, and/or Traditional Section 6 Grants. Projects funded through these programs assist in the conservation and recovery of listed species and inform evaluations of the status of Species of Greatest Conservation Need."