All-Ireland Citizen Science survey of red and grey squirrels and pine martens launched
Members of the public are invited to take part in an All-Ireland Citizen Science survey of pine martens and red and grey squirrels. The survey, organised by researchers from the Ryan Institute in NUI Galway and the Ulster Wildlife and Vincent Wildlife Trust, aims to record sightings during 2019. There is evidence, notably from the Midlands, that the spread of pine martens has led to a decrease in the numbers of grey squirrels allowing red squirrels to return to their former haunts. The last survey of this kind was carried out in 2012 and it will be interesting to see if the changing pattern of distribution of the three species is continuing. Further information and guidance on submitting records can be found on the National Biodiversity Data Centre website. It has also been widely reported in the Irish press: Green News, Irish World, Midlands 103, RTE, Ulster Wildlife.