Campaign launched for rare red squirrels to get an emoji

A petition has been launched calling for the creation of a red squirrel emoji as part of efforts to raise awareness for one of the UK's most endangered native mammals.

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The red squirrel emoji campaign aims to raise awareness of the plight of one of the UK's most endangered native animals

(THE WILDLIFE TRUSTS/PA WIRE)

The campaign, led by The Wildlife Trusts and Center Parcs, say that introducing the animal to the emoji library could help them remain visible in everyday conservations - particularly among younger audiences communicating through digital platforms.

It comes after a Censuswide survey of 2,000 UK children aged eight to 15 found that 34% did not know red squirrels lived in the UK - and 33% were unaware or not sure whether the species was endangered here.