SSRS Talk: Spatial Ecology of Grey Squirrels in an Urban Environment

Saving Scotland's Red Squirrels

Learn about how the spatial ecology of invasive non-native grey squirrels can help inform red squirrel conservation efforts in Scotland.

The city of Aberdeen remains a stronghold for invasive grey squirrels in Scotland. The Saving Scotland&#x27;s Red Squirrels team working in north east Scotland (SSRS NE) cites lack of access to perform control in private gardens as a potential barrier to eradication of the species in this urban area. This study tracks grey squirrels using the latest GPS collar technology to determine which habitat types are preferred and whether eradication is achievable by concentrating trapping only in areas accessible to SSRS NE. It is also the first study to estimate grey squirrel home ranges in an urban environment, and analyzes 12 years of SSRS NE trapping data in Aberdeen to determine the factors influencing trapping success. Results of the study are used to outline recommendations to improve the success of SSRS NE eradication efforts going forward. Speaker: Devin Fitzpatrick completed her research on the spatial ecology of invasive grey squirrels for her Master of Research degree at the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI). Prior to this, she had volunteered for the UHI woodland landscapes research group’s red squirrel conservation project. Throughout her MRes, Devin also worked as a research assistant for the Game &amp; Wildlife Conservation Trust, examining red squirrel response to forestry operations. Following completion of her MRes, Devin has begun a PhD at the University of Calgary, examining the spatial ecology of invasive wild boar in Alberta, Canada and how this relates to zoonotic disease transmission across the province.

SSRS Talk: Spatial Ecology of Grey Squirrels in an Urban Environment

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SSRS Talk: Spatial Ecology of Grey Squirrels in an Urban Environment

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