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Red
squirrels are native to this country and were once a common
sight throughout Britain. Nowadays, however, they are very much an
endangered species, largely because of competition from their larger North
American cousins, the greys, which were introduced to the UK in the late
19th century and early 20th century. The red squirrel population is reckoned to
be 160,000 of which
three quarters live in Scotland.
Perthshire is quite a stronghold of this delightful little
creature, the large areas of conifer woodland being a
favourite habitat. Unlike their grey cousins, red squirrels do not hibernate and
can therefore be spotted throughout the year. |
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The rather unusual road sign above, situated on the little side road running
from Strathtay to Weem, is clear indication of the numbers of red squirrels in
this part of Perthshire. |
Red squirrel (Sciurus Vulgaris) descending a
Scots Pine in Perthshire. Image courtesy of ©
Eric McCabe/Papiliophotos.com
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