The squirrel’s sharp claws allow it to easily grip the bark and move swiftly through the trees, which allows it to be well adapted to its arboreal lifestyle.
The Irish Red Squirrel faces several significant threats. The most immediate danger comes from habitat loss due to deforestation, urbanization, and agricultural expansion. These reduce the amount of suitable woodland where they can live and find food.
The invasion of the Grey Squirrel has also had a devastating impact, as it competes with the Red Squirrel for resources and carries diseases like squirrelpox, which can be fatal to the native Red Squirrel.
