The native Irish red squirrel population is under threat from the "dramatic spread" of grey squirrels, according to a report published today.
A squirrel at the Botanic Gardens in Glasnevin
The Irish Squirrel Survey 2007found that red squirrels had "virtually disappeared" from a number of counties, notably Meath, Westmeath, Louth, Carlow and Kilkenny but remained common in other parts of the country, particularly in the south and west.
The survey found that the distribution of grey squirrels has increased by around 30 per cent in the past decade and that they now occupy over half the land area of Ireland.
The spread of grey squirrels presents a serious threat to the survival of the native red squirrel and to Ireland's increasing broadleaf tree resource because of the way they strip bark off trees.
However, the survey also suggests that the pine marten may be controlling numbers of grey squirrels in some areas.