* Two Species: The UK has two main species of squirrels: the native red squirrel and the introduced grey squirrel. Their populations fluctuate constantly.
* Difficult to Count: Squirrels are elusive and difficult to count accurately. There are no large-scale, nationwide surveys conducted regularly.
* Varying Habitats: Squirrel populations vary across the UK, depending on factors like woodland area, food availability, and predators.
Estimates:
* Red squirrels: Estimates range from 120,000 to 160,000.
* Grey squirrels: Estimated to be at least 2.5 million, and potentially much higher.
Key Points:
* Grey squirrels are a major threat to red squirrels, as they are more aggressive and can outcompete them for resources.
* Conservation efforts are ongoing to protect red squirrel populations, but it's a challenging task.
So, while we can't give a precise number, the UK has a significant squirrel population, with grey squirrels being much more abundant than their red counterparts.