A wildlife photographer revealed stunning shots of an endangered species in the woods of central Scotland.
The Alloa Advertiser reported that the anonymous naturalist captured images of one of his favorite creatures: the red squirrel. With a handheld camera, a trail camera, and hours of patience, "Mr. P" took photographs and video footage of the squirrels in their natural habitat. He expressed hope that his efforts would inspire others to protect the woodlands the squirrels depend on.
"I hope my images help others appreciate how special they are. It's a privilege to witness them up close," he told the Advertiser.
The red squirrel has been on the losing side of a decades-long power struggle with invasive gray squirrels brought over from North America during the Victorian period. The larger, more aggressive gray squirrels outcompeted the indigenous red squirrels and spread diseases to them. Additionally, habitat destruction and the absence of predators that control gray squirrels, such as pine martens, have drastically reduced their range. They've largely been eradicated from England, aside from an isolated but thankfully growing population on the Isle of Wight.
Fortunately and perhaps quite fittingly, Scotland and Ireland are a little more favorable to redheads. Scotland has about three-quarters of the United Kingdom's remaining red squirrels, and not coincidentally, it's also the last remaining stronghold for pine martens. The red squirrel is considered an indicator species in the U.K., as it is indicative of a healthy ecosystem. They play an important role in the food chain as both seed dispersers and prey.
Mr. P's admirable efforts demonstrate the value of cameras in conservation work. Some of the rarest species on Earth have been picked up by well-placed trail cameras. Whether it's a fixed camera trap or a handheld device (or both in this case), the footage taken is invaluable to researchers and legislators. The insights gained about a species' numbers, location, and behaviors can help raise awareness and craft effective local measures to protect them.
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