Red squirrel

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Red Squirrel
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The red squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris) is a species of tree squirrel in the genus Sciurus common throughout Eurasia. The red squirrel is an arboreal, omnivorous rodent.

Description

The red squirrel has a head-and-body length of 19 to 23 cm (7.5 to 9.1 in), a tail length of 15 to 20 cm (5.9 to 7.9 in), and a mass of 250 to 340 g (8.8 to 12.0 oz). The red squirrel is characterized by its reddish fur, although the coat can vary in color with some individuals appearing more grey or brown. The underparts are white or cream.

Distribution and Habitat

Red squirrels are native to Europe and Asia. They are found in a variety of forest habitats, including coniferous, deciduous, and mixed forests. They are particularly associated with Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) forests in the UK.

Behavior

Red squirrels are solitary animals and are most active during the early morning and late afternoon. They are known for their agility in trees and are capable of leaping from branch to branch. Red squirrels do not hibernate but may become less active during the winter months.

Diet

The diet of the red squirrel consists mainly of seeds and nuts, particularly those of coniferous trees. They also eat fungi, fruits, and occasionally bird eggs. Red squirrels are known to cache food for the winter months.

Reproduction

Red squirrels breed twice a year, with litters of three to six young. The young are born blind and hairless and are weaned after about 10 weeks.

Conservation Status

The red squirrel is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN Red List due to its wide distribution and large population. However, in the UK, the red squirrel is under threat from the introduced eastern grey squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis), which competes for food and carries the squirrelpox virus, to which red squirrels are susceptible.

Also see

• Eastern grey squirrel
• Squirrelpox virus
• Scots pine
• Eurasian wildlife

Conservation status

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Extinct
Extinct (EX) Extinct in the Wild (EW)	(list) (list)
Critically Endangered (CR) Endangered (EN) Vulnerable (VU)	(list) (list) (list)