Two groups of red squirrels thriving on Isle of Wight, study finds

Red squirrels are thriving on the Isle of Wight and have enough food and habitat that their population could almost double, a study has found.

- Sara Rourke

Using climate models, researchers at Bournemouth University were able to map how the red squirrel population would fare under different climate breakdown scenarios such as temperature changes and low levels of rainfall.

They found there was no direct impact on their survivability and “a natural ability to adapt to a range of climatic conditions”.

Through analysis of fur samples, researchers were able to ascertain that the island was home to two genetically distinct groups of red squirrel. While one sub-population was concentrated towards the east of the island and the other the west, there were encouraging signs that the two groups were beginning to mix, supporting the genetic diversity and overall health of future generations.