THE ECOLOGY OF SQUIRRELS IN SPRUCE DOMINATED PLANTATIONS - IMPLICATIONS FOR FOREST MANAGEMENT

Red Sciurus vulgaris and grey Sciurus carolinensis squirrel ecology in conifer forests in Europe is reviewed with reference to squirrels in similar habitats in North America. Red squirrels appear to perform bes t in conifer forests that contain a large proportion of pine Pinus spp ., with or without Norway spruce Picea abies. Grey squirrels, in contr ast, perform best in conifer plantations that have oak Quercus spp. an d acorns available nearby. A generalised linear model to predict red s quirrel density based on forest size, composition and the presence or absence of a Norway spruce cone crop is explained and forest managemen t recommendations for a red squirrel conservation area in Kielder Fore st are made.