Eurasian red squirrel
The Eurasian red squirrel, scientifically known as Sciurus vulgaris, is a small mammal belonging to the rodent family Sciuridae. Characterized by its reddish-orange fur and bushy tail, this species typically measures eight to nine inches in body length with an additional six to seven inches for the tail. Weighing between 9 and 11 ounces, Eurasian red squirrels are commonly found in the evergreen forests of Europe and Asia, though they are quite rare in Great Britain. Their decline in this region is believed to be linked to competition with the larger gray squirrel.
These squirrels primarily feed on tree seeds, bark, tree sap, flowers, roots, fungi, and insects. They construct nests known as dreys from twigs and leaves, often situated on tree branches, and utilize old woodpecker holes as dens for shelter. Eurasian red squirrels are generally solitary animals, coming together primarily during their two mating seasons in February-March and May-June. After a gestation period of about 1.5 months, females give birth to one to six offspring, usually producing two litters each year. With a lifespan of up to five years, these fascinating creatures play an important role in their ecosystems.
Eurasian red squirrel
Eurasian red squirrels strip the seeds off pine cones when they eat them. One of the squirrels once stripped 190 pine cones in one day.
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Rodentia
Family: Sciuridae
Genus: Sciurus
Species: Vulgaris
Eurasian red squirrels have the same body shape as the gray squirrels found in North America, but Eurasian red squirrels are reddish orange. They grow to be about eight to nine inches (20 to 22 centimeters) long with six- to seven-inch (15 to 17 centimeters) large, bushy red tails. Eurasian red squirrels weigh between 9 and 11 ounces (252 to 308 grams).
Eurasian red squirrels are common throughout the evergreen forests of Europe and Asia. They are very rare in Great Britain. It is thought that this might have something to do with the large number of gray squirrels in Great Britain. The gray squirrels and the Eurasian red squirrels would be competing for the same food. Eurasian red squirrels eat tree seeds, bark, tree sap, flowers, roots, fungi, and insects.
Eurasian red squirrels live in nests called dreys or dens. Dreys are 12-inch (30 centimeters) balls of twigs and leaves. These nests are built on the flat spots where tree branches grow. These are then covered with leaves, moss, and bark and are lined with feathers and dried leaves. Dens are often old woodpecker holes in trees. The squirrels line the old holes with softer leaves and feathers. Eurasian red squirrels usually live alone except during mating season.
There are two mating seasons for Eurasian red squirrels. The first mating season takes place in February and March, and the second takes place in May and June. The gestation period (duration of pregnancy) is about 1 1/2 months. The female then gives birth to a litter of one to six young squirrels. Females usually have two litters each year.
The Eurasian red squirrel has a life span of up to five years.