We invite members of the public to assist with a new survey throughout 2026, to investigate the distribution of squirrels and the pine marten in Ireland.  The National Biodiversity Data Centre has teamed up with University of Galway, Ulster Wildlife and Vincent Wildlife Trust in this research, which follows similar surveys conducted in 2007, 2012 and 2019.  Since their introduction in 1911, the grey squirrel has spread throughout a large area of the island of Ireland. The red squirrel, impacted by competition and disease spread by the greys, has previously struggled and retracted in range as a result.  In the most recent surveys in 2012 and 2019, however, the grey squirrel had been knocked back in certain areas, and this has been attributed to the recovery of another native species, the pine marten. In 2019, the red squirrel had recovered in some areas in the midlands, however, the grey squirrel continued to spread in the southwest and northwest.

Please submit sightings of red squirrels, grey squirrels and pine martens via the online record form, and include a photograph, if you have one.  Besides the location we would be interested to hear any other details, such as how often you see the animal, or if you have noticed a change in the frequency of seeing the animals, using the ‘Comments’ box.  We may contact you subsequently to help verify sightings.

Red Squirrel Sciurus vulgaris

Native species

Weight: 240-350g

Length: 180-240mm

Fur Colour: Red-brown, chestnut or grey-brown fur, with a white belly. Tail can vary in colour, and can be dark, red or blonde.  They often have prominent ear tufts, which are most obvious during the winter months.

Comments: Red squirrels are relatively shy and elusive, and are most frequently seen up in the canopy of trees.

Grey squirrel Sciurus carolinensis

Non-native species

Weight: 450-720g

Length: 240-280mm

Fur Colour: Grey fur, occasionally chestnut coloured on the back and haunches, particularly in the summer.  Tail is grey, with a white fringe to the hair. No ear tufts.

Comments: Grey squirrels are bolder than red squirrels, and so tend to be more conspicuous. They spend more of their time on the woodland floor.

Pine marten Martes martes

Native species

Weight: 1.5-2.1kg

Length: 410-520mm

Fur Colour: Dark brown fur, with a large cream or yellow coloured throat patch.

Comments: They are typically nocturnal, and very good climbers. They could be confused with other mustelid carnivores, such as the American mink, but pine marten are larger and have prominent rounded ears.  Mink have darker fur, and are more frequently found close to water.