Anyone who thinks they may have seen a grey squirrel in the Highlands should inform us - click here to email us

The first confirmed case of a non-native grey squirrel has been made in the Highlands, which is a stronghold of the red.

An individual animal was spotted in the Milton of Leys housing estate on the outskirts of Inverness. Grey squirrels can carry the squirrelpox virus which is lethal to native red squirrels but does not affect the greys.

The red squirrel is a conservation priority for the UK and Scotland, and was one of the first species identified for conservation action under the UK Biodiversity Action Plan in 1995.

It also features in the Scottish Red Squirrel Action Plan, a national initiative which aims to reverse the current decline in the distribution and numbers of red squirrels in Scotland.

Ron Macdonald, Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) head of policy and advice said:
"This confirmed grey squirrel case in a red squirrel refuge is deeply concerning as non-native greys can carry the virus squirrelpox which can kill our native red squirrel.

"Along with this threat, the most serious for our native red squirrel is competition with the more robust greys.

"It is the first confirmed sighting in the red squirrel stronghold of the Highlands and we would urge people to be vigilant and to report any sightings of grey squirrels.

"The red squirrel is an important and iconic species. It features in the SNH Species Action Framework for conservation action due to the population decline over the past 50 years. Its conservation remains a top priority for SNH and our partners."

Once widespread across the UK, the red squirrel is now largely restricted to the north of England, Northern Ireland and Scotland, which has around 75% of the estimated UK population. It is a Priority Species on the UK Biodiversity Action Plan (UKBAP) and is included on the Scottish Biodiversity List.

Anyone who thinks they may have seen a grey squirrel in the Highlands should inform us - click here to email us

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