Red Squirrels Outsmart Old Foe in Irish Forests

Red squirrels are proving themselves clever survivors in Ireland’s woodlands, with new research from the University of Galway revealing how they adapt their behaviour in areas shared with their natural predator – the pine marten.

The 16-month study, led by Dr Emily Reilly and Dr Colin Lawton, found that red squirrels become more cautious and alert after detecting signs of nearby pine martens, reducing their feeding and keeping watch — but easing off as the perceived threat fades.

This natural wariness, honed over centuries of coexistence, may explain why red squirrel numbers are on the rise, while invasive grey squirrels – with no such evolutionary advantage – continue to plummet as pine martens return.

Dr Emily Reilly said: “It is amazing to see the red squirrels respond to the presence of a pine marten that may have visited the feeding station hours or even days earlier. Their level of sensitivity is impressive and has clearly given them a significant survival advantage. The research from our woodlands in the west of Ireland is a fascinating example of how the protection of native species, in this case, the pine marten, can help restore balance in the ecosystem.”

 Co-authored by Dr Emily Reilly and Dr Colin Lawton of the School of Natural Sciences, University of Galway, the full study was published today in Royal Society Open Science: Read more.