️Jan 21st is Squirrel appreciation day.... a day I didn't realise was a thing until, well, today!️
Winter is a hard time for Squirrels (and many other species) who face more scarce food sources and harsher conditions. Each organism plays a role in the wonderful ecosystem web of earth, and I think every species should have their own celebratory day!️🦉🦔🦊
But this Squirrel day got me thinking....I don't think I've ever seen a native Red squirrel ️
Since the introduction of the non-native Grey squirrel in the 1870s, Red squirrel numbers have declined, as they have circumbed to the often fatal Squirrel Pox Virus, and become outcompeted by the Grey squirrel.
*Now feel like I have said Squirrel too much
I've recently begun to notice many other invasive/ non-native species that I see regularly. The above pic was taken on a recent walk at Bushy Park, where I have noticed sooo many Parakeets (also non-native)
Ring necked parakeets are well known residents in the south east of England with numbers on the rise⬆️. Amazingly, their native range is from the arid tropical countryside of west Africa to lowland India. So how do they cope with cold winter's in the UK!?️ Well, the abundant suburban parks and gardens seem to provide a plentiful food supply to get the colourful beauties through the winter🥜
While all species are wonderful in their own right, it is certainly important to consider their impacts on native populations and ecosystems. Invasive species have been cited as one of the biggest threats to biodiversity after habitat loss. They can impact people, the environment, wildlife and habitats (including man-made structures!).
Have a look through the resource below for more detail.
What invasive species have you noticed in your area?