By Abbas Nazil
Red squirrels in Europe appear to be resilient to climate change, according to new research conducted by scientists at Bournemouth University.
The study, which used climate models to assess the species’ ability to survive under different climate scenarios, revealed that changes in temperature and rainfall do not have a direct impact on the survival of red squirrels.
Instead, the research identified habitat quality, food availability, disease, and competition from other species as the main factors influencing their population.
This finding is significant because red squirrels have been under severe threat in the United Kingdom since the introduction of grey squirrels from North America in the 19th century.
In southern England, red squirrels now survive mainly on islands such as the Isle of Wight and Brownsea Island in Dorset, where geographical barriers have prevented the spread of grey squirrels.
Conservation biologist and ecological researcher Alyson Buchanan explained that the models demonstrated the red squirrels’ “natural ability to adapt to a range of climatic conditions” even in areas where food sources may be limited.
She said the population is not directly affected by current climate shifts according to the models, highlighting that conservation should continue to focus on protecting habitat, ensuring food supplies, and managing disease risks.
Red squirrels rely primarily on seeds from trees for their diet, supplemented with insects, fungi, and occasionally birds’ eggs.
They live across diverse forest ecosystems, including coniferous and deciduous woodlands, from Spain and Italy through northern Greece, Scandinavia, and into parts of western Russia.
This broad distribution indicates that the species is capable of surviving in a variety of climates and environmental conditions.
Despite this adaptability, red squirrels remain vulnerable because of ongoing competition with grey squirrels.
The greys, being larger, heavier, and hungrier, tend to dominate food sources and are therefore a major challenge for red squirrel populations.
Grey squirrels carry the squirrelpox virus, a disease fatal to reds but harmless to greys, further devastating native populations when the two species come into contact.
The isolation of red squirrels on the Isle of Wight has protected them from such contact, with the Solent serving as a natural barrier against invasion from grey squirrels.
The Bournemouth study emphasized that while climate change does not directly threaten red squirrels, indirect pressures such as habitat loss and competition remain serious.
Scientists warn that conservation efforts must remain strong to maintain healthy populations, particularly as red squirrels are considered a beloved and iconic native species in the UK.
The research underscores the need to safeguard their habitats and control the spread of grey squirrels to ensure long-term survival.
For conservationists, the message is clear: climate change resilience alone is not enough to guarantee the future of red squirrels without continued human intervention and protection.
