What is the story about?
What's Happening?
A study conducted by Bournemouth University has found that red squirrels in Europe demonstrate resilience to climate change. The research utilized climate models to assess the species' ability to survive under various climate change scenarios. It was discovered that temperature fluctuations and reduced rainfall do not significantly impact the survival of red squirrels. Instead, factors such as habitat, food availability, and disease play a more critical role in their survival. The study highlights that red squirrels, which have been largely displaced in the UK by the introduction of grey squirrels from the US, are capable of adapting to a range of climatic conditions due to their broad distribution across Europe.
Why It's Important?
The findings of this study are important for conservation efforts, as they suggest that red squirrels possess a natural adaptability to changing climates. This resilience could be crucial for their survival amidst ongoing environmental changes. However, the study also underscores the importance of addressing other threats such as habitat loss and competition with grey squirrels, which carry diseases like the squirrelpox virus that are fatal to red squirrels. Conservation strategies may need to focus more on these factors to ensure the long-term survival of red squirrels. The research provides valuable insights for ecological management and the preservation of biodiversity in the face of climate change.
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