Re: Different slant on red v grey squirrel interaction


Malcolm wrote:
In article <1138958330.84338.0@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>, BAC
<casswalk@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> writes
This is off topic, because the squirrels concerned are not located in the
UK, but I found the following article interesting, because it related the
worrying tale of red squirrels spreading from their native coniferous
woodlands into adjoining areas, formerly grey squirrel territory, and
threatening natural broadleaf regeneration by their different nut hoarding
behaviour.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2003/11/031126064534.htm

This would seem to suggest that some breeds of red squirrel can survive
alongside grey squirrels in agricultural areas if the conditions are right.
Pity that doesn't seem to include the UK ...

An interesting article but of less relevance to the UK than might be
thought. In case any not very well-informed poster, or indeed one who
prefers to trade in lies and silly abuse rather than facts, jumps to the
wrong conclusion, the red squirrel of North America diesn't just belong
to a different genus from the red squirrel of the UK (and Eurasia), but
actually belongs to a different tribe (the next taxonomic grouping
upwards from genus). Furthermore, the two squirrels are both indigenous
to North America and have co-evolved over many thousands of years, which
is not the case with the Eurasian red and North American grey that occur
in the UK.

Also interesting is the way Google pops in an ad or two for squirrel
traps every time this subject is brought up. Given that such topics are
invariably promoted and/or extended by ARists like Mr Brookes (aka
Pete) there is just a hint of foot-shooting here.

.

Relevant Pages

  • Re: Different slant on red v grey squirrel interaction
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    (uk.environment.conservation)
  • Re: Different slant on red v grey squirrel interaction
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