Competition with grey squirrels: Grey squirrels, an invasive species from North America, have competed aggressively with red squirrels for food and resources. Grey squirrels are more adaptable, larger in size, and have a higher reproductive rate compared to red squirrels. As a result, red squirrels have struggled to compete, leading to a decline in their population.
Habitat loss and fragmentation: The destruction and fragmentation of woodland habitats due to urbanization, agriculture, and forestry practices have reduced suitable living spaces for red squirrels. This habitat loss and fragmentation have isolated red squirrel populations and made them more susceptible to predation and other threats.
Disease: The spread of diseases, such as squirrelpox virus, from grey squirrels to red squirrels has also contributed to their population decline. Squirrelpox virus is highly contagious and often fatal to red squirrels, while grey squirrels are more resistant to it.
Predation: Increased predation from domestic cats, foxes, and avian predators, such as birds of prey, has also affected red squirrel populations. As their natural habitats become fragmented, red squirrels are more exposed to these predators.
Climate change: Changing climatic conditions, such as rising temperatures and altered weather patterns, have also impacted red squirrel populations. These changes can affect their food availability, breeding success, and overall survival.
Due to these cumulative factors, red squirrels have experienced significant population declines in Britain, leading to their endangered status. Conservation efforts are ongoing to protect and restore red squirrel populations by controlling grey squirrels, conserving and enhancing their habitats, and managing predation threats.