Jersey's red squirrel population thrives due to the absence of grey squirrels and local conservation efforts, making the island a key refuge as numbers decline in the UK.
01Summary
- 01Red squirrels are endangered in the UK, with 120,000 to 160,000 remaining in the wild, and 75% in Scotland.
- 02Jersey has no grey squirrels, which carry a virus deadly to red squirrels, allowing the latter to flourish.
- 03Red squirrels were introduced to Jersey in 1885 and are now considered naturalised by ecologists.
- 04The National Trust of Jersey reports red squirrels are fairly widespread, with inland valleys and woodlands as prime spots.
- 05The JSPCA has handled 50 red squirrels this year, including hand-raising eight kits.
02Why it matters
This matters because Jersey offers a rare example of a red squirrel stronghold, providing hope for conservation efforts and a place for visitors to see an iconic species that is vanishing from much of England.
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