AL THE RED SQUIRRELS ARE GONE
The camera and lens that I had with me was not suitable for fast moving squirrels, especially this who who actually climbed into my pocket.
The National Botanic Gardens in Glasnevin, Dublin, are currently home to a thriving population of grey squirrels. However, this wasn't always the case. Up until the late 1980s, red squirrels were a common sight in the gardens, scurrying through the trees and foraging for food.
The decline and eventual disappearance of red squirrels from the Botanic Gardens is a microcosm of a larger national trend. Grey squirrels, native to North America, were introduced to Ireland and Britain in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Their larger size, adaptability, and ability to compete for resources led to the gradual displacement of the native red squirrels.
Grey squirrels outcompete red squirrels in several ways:
Diet: Grey squirrels can digest unripe acorns, giving them an advantage in food availability over red squirrels.
Disease: Grey squirrels carry the squirrelpox virus, which is fatal to red squirrels but doesn't affect them.
Reproduction: Grey squirrels have higher reproductive rates than red squirrels.
The introduction of grey squirrels had a devastating impact on the red squirrel population in Ireland. Their numbers dwindled significantly, and they were largely confined to isolated pockets of woodland.
Survival of Red Squirrels:
Despite the challenges, red squirrels have managed to survive in certain areas of Ireland. This is primarily due to:
Isolation: Some islands and peninsulas remain free of grey squirrels, providing refuge for red squirrels.
Habitat Management: Targeted conservation efforts, such as controlling grey squirrel populations and improving habitat for red squirrels, have helped in some areas.
Predator Presence: The pine marten, a native predator, has been found to have a higher predation rate on grey squirrels than on red squirrels, potentially helping to balance the populations.
While the red squirrels may be gone from the Botanic Gardens, their story serves as a reminder of the importance of conservation and the delicate balance of ecosystems. Efforts are ongoing to protect and expand the remaining red squirrel populations in Ireland, ensuring the survival of this iconic species for future generations.
The National Botanic Gardens in Glasnevin, Dublin, are currently home to a thriving population of grey squirrels. However, this wasn't always the case. Up until the late 1980s, red squirrels were a common sight in the gardens, scurrying through the trees and foraging for food.
The decline and eventual disappearance of red squirrels from the Botanic Gardens is a microcosm of a larger national trend. Grey squirrels, native to North America, were introduced to Ireland and Britain in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Their larger size, adaptability, and ability to compete for resources led to the gradual displacement of the native red squirrels.
Grey squirrels outcompete red squirrels in several ways:
Diet: Grey squirrels can digest unripe acorns, giving them an advantage in food availability over red squirrels.
Disease: Grey squirrels carry the squirrelpox virus, which is fatal to red squirrels but doesn't affect them.
Reproduction: Grey squirrels have higher reproductive rates than red squirrels.
The introduction of grey squirrels had a devastating impact on the red squirrel population in Ireland. Their numbers dwindled significantly, and they were largely confined to isolated pockets of woodland.
Survival of Red Squirrels:
Despite the challenges, red squirrels have managed to survive in certain areas of Ireland. This is primarily due to:
Isolation: Some islands and peninsulas remain free of grey squirrels, providing refuge for red squirrels.
Habitat Management: Targeted conservation efforts, such as controlling grey squirrel populations and improving habitat for red squirrels, have helped in some areas.
Predator Presence: The pine marten, a native predator, has been found to have a higher predation rate on grey squirrels than on red squirrels, potentially helping to balance the populations.
While the red squirrels may be gone from the Botanic Gardens, their story serves as a reminder of the importance of conservation and the delicate balance of ecosystems. Efforts are ongoing to protect and expand the remaining red squirrel populations in Ireland, ensuring the survival of this iconic species for future generations.
AL THE RED SQUIRRELS ARE GONE