Red Squirrel
There were once around 3.5 million Red Squirrels in the UK, a figure which has dropped significantly to an all-time low of around 120,000. Various factors have contributed to the decline in numbers with the introduction of the Grey Squirrel having had the greatest impact, spreading disease, exhausting available resources and quickly reproducing.
IUCN Listing: Least Concern
Not at risk of becoming extinct in the wild
Fact File
Native Range
Throughout Europe, Russia, Mongolia and Northern China
Natural Habitat
Coniferous forest, deciduous forest and mixed forest
Diet
Seeds, acorns, fungi, bark, occasionally eggs and young birds
Life Expectancy
In the wild: 6 – 8 years
In zoos: 10 – 12 years
Breeding
Gestation period:
38 days. 1 – 7 young.
Group Name
Dray / Scurry
Active Hours
During the day
Threats
Loss of habitat, hunting, disease
Fun Fact
Red Squirrels aren’t strictly red! While the fur of a red squirrel is usually a lovely rusty colour, in the winter their coats fade to more of a brownish-grey
The Welsh Mountain Zoo supports the…
Red Squirrels conservation in the United Kingdom
With over 35 years of collaboration with various organisations and programmes the Welsh Mountain Zoo continues to ensure the UK’s only native squirrel species is conserved. We are honoured to manage the captive breeding programme of Red Squirrels for Great Britain in consultation with the BIAZA Native Species working group; providing animals for approved release projects from collaborating collections. Active involvement in these breeding and release programmes has facilitated the wild release of 34 individuals since 1998, with a further 22 red squirrels being released from other supporting collections since 2004.
Integrating these individuals into the wild is part of our ongoing commitment to protecting and conserving this iconic species, which has faced significant decline due to habitat loss and the spread of the invasive non-native grey squirrel.
