04/04/2011
Red Squirrel Faces New Threat
Northern Ireland's already dwindling red squirrel population was dealt another blow with the recent discovery of a fatal squirrel disease.
The infected red squirrels were first spotted by members of the Tollymore Red Squirrel Group.
This marks the first recorded instance of a red squirrel dying from this disease.
Their population is already under extreme pressure as a result of the population explosion of the grey squirrel.
The decline of red squirrels in the UK is blamed primarily on the effects of squirrel pox as well as the loss of habitat and competition from grey squirrels.
A spokesperson for the Forest Service, which is a member of the NI Squirrel Forum commented: "We are hoping that the early detection of the disease by the Tollymore Red Squirrel Group will help to limit the impact of this outbreak. We are continuing to work with NIEA and the Tollymore Red Squirrel Group on the implementation of control measures."
The DOE are asking the public to be vigilant and immediately report any red squirrels showing signs of the disease to the NIEA wildlife team or to a member of the NI Squirrel forum.
(JG/GK)
The infected red squirrels were first spotted by members of the Tollymore Red Squirrel Group.
This marks the first recorded instance of a red squirrel dying from this disease.
Their population is already under extreme pressure as a result of the population explosion of the grey squirrel.
The decline of red squirrels in the UK is blamed primarily on the effects of squirrel pox as well as the loss of habitat and competition from grey squirrels.
A spokesperson for the Forest Service, which is a member of the NI Squirrel Forum commented: "We are hoping that the early detection of the disease by the Tollymore Red Squirrel Group will help to limit the impact of this outbreak. We are continuing to work with NIEA and the Tollymore Red Squirrel Group on the implementation of control measures."
The DOE are asking the public to be vigilant and immediately report any red squirrels showing signs of the disease to the NIEA wildlife team or to a member of the NI Squirrel forum.
(JG/GK)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
03 October 2014
Red Squirrels Released Into Wild
Four red squirrels born at Belfast Zoo have been released into the wild at Glenarm estate in County Antrim. Zoo curator and chairperson of the Belfast Zoo native species group, Alyn Cairns, explained: "Here at the zoo, we care for and conserve a variety of endangered species from across the world.
Red Squirrels Released Into Wild
Four red squirrels born at Belfast Zoo have been released into the wild at Glenarm estate in County Antrim. Zoo curator and chairperson of the Belfast Zoo native species group, Alyn Cairns, explained: "Here at the zoo, we care for and conserve a variety of endangered species from across the world.
14 September 2004
Fast disappearing red squirrel on show at Fermanagh reserve
The red squirrel, an increasingly rare sight in Northern Ireland's countryside due to the success of its North American grey rival, will be on show for local wildlife enthusiasts in Co Fermanagh this week.
Fast disappearing red squirrel on show at Fermanagh reserve
The red squirrel, an increasingly rare sight in Northern Ireland's countryside due to the success of its North American grey rival, will be on show for local wildlife enthusiasts in Co Fermanagh this week.
07 May 2026
Over 1,000 Rural Groups Benefit from £1.65m DAERA Funding
DAERA Minister Andrew Muir has welcomed a £1.65 million investment from his department, distributed to 1,029 rural voluntary and community sector organisations through the 2025/26 Rural Micro Capital Grant Scheme (RMCGS).
Over 1,000 Rural Groups Benefit from £1.65m DAERA Funding
DAERA Minister Andrew Muir has welcomed a £1.65 million investment from his department, distributed to 1,029 rural voluntary and community sector organisations through the 2025/26 Rural Micro Capital Grant Scheme (RMCGS).
28 July 2017
Belfast Zoo 'Celebrating Conservation Success'
Belfast Zoo is "celebrating another conservation success" with the birth of five red squirrel kittens. The red squirrel, believed to have been native across Ireland for more than 10,000 years, is now said to be in "serious trouble" in Northern Ireland.
Belfast Zoo 'Celebrating Conservation Success'
Belfast Zoo is "celebrating another conservation success" with the birth of five red squirrel kittens. The red squirrel, believed to have been native across Ireland for more than 10,000 years, is now said to be in "serious trouble" in Northern Ireland.
07 June 2018
Two Red Squirrels Released At Silent Valley Mountain Park
Two female red squirrels have been released at Silent Valley Mountain Park, Belfast Zoo has confirmed. The site was selected as part of a nation-wide scheme to enhance the population of the threatened species. Zoo manager, Alyn Cairns, said: "Belfast Zoo first became home to red squirrels in 2012 when three animals arrived from the Glens of Antrim.
Two Red Squirrels Released At Silent Valley Mountain Park
Two female red squirrels have been released at Silent Valley Mountain Park, Belfast Zoo has confirmed. The site was selected as part of a nation-wide scheme to enhance the population of the threatened species. Zoo manager, Alyn Cairns, said: "Belfast Zoo first became home to red squirrels in 2012 when three animals arrived from the Glens of Antrim.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:It will remain mostly cloudy with some showery outbreaks of rain, heavy at times, perhaps with thunder, along with some drier periods. Freshening southerly breeze in the east. Mild and humid. Minimum temperature 13 °C.