Why Jersey’s Red Squirrels Are Thriving While Numbers Decline Across Britain

As concerns grow that red squirrels could become extinct in Britain, one of the Channel Islands remains an important stronghold for the species.

Why red squirrels are thriving in Jersey

Jersey’s red squirrel population is booming because the island has no grey squirrels, which carry a virus that is deadly to red squirrels.

Red squirrels are critically endangered in the UK. An estimated 120,000 to 160,000 remain in the wild, and several conservation projects are underway to increase their numbers.

There are red squirrel strongholds in England, external, particularly on islands. Scotland is home to around 75% of the UK’s red squirrel population, according to Forestry Scotland, external.

Red squirrels are a Jersey icon

Although red squirrels are not native to Jersey, ecologist Henry Glynn of the National Trust for Jersey said they had become “a real Jersey icon”.

He said: “When you talk to people visiting the island from the UK, many will say that one of the things they want to do while they’re here is see red squirrels, because they’re so rare and difficult to see in large parts of the UK.”

“It’s actually something really special to them.”

When were red squirrels introduced to Jersey?

Red squirrels were introduced to Jersey in 1885.

However, Mr Glynn described them as “naturalized” and “assimilated into their natural environment” over many years.

The animals have also featured in Jersey travel content, external and a tourism campaign led by conservationist Ben Fogle.