Red squirrel  (Sciurus vulgaris)

The red squirrel occurs across most of Europe into northern Asia and Siberia. In this part of its range the red squirrel is not threatened. In the UK it is restricted to a few sites, mainly those free from competition by grey squirrels, which is why it is classified as threatened. However, the two species share some habitats in Scotland and parts of Wales, Ireland and England.

Red squirrels prefer woodland that contains a fair proportion of conifer trees. In Europe they are found in large forests, gardens and parks and at altitudes of up to 2,000 metres. In the UK they are now chiefly confined to conifer forests but can live in mixed woodland that has yet to be invaded by greys.