Scotland
12:00 - 26 September 2007
The people of the North-east are being asked to help save the region's red squirrels.
There are fears the species could be wiped out in Scotland within 50 years.
Now the Scottish Wildlife Trust has called on the public to help build a picture of the red squirrel population across the country to help halt its decline.
Stuart Brooks, head of conservation at the trust, said: "Red squirrels are struggling.
"While we may be able to slow their decline, their future is in jeopardy in Britain, particularly in light of the deadly virus which has now penetrated the reds in Scotland."
Scotland is home to 75% of the UK's red squirrel population, particularly in Aberdeenshire, the Spey valley, Highland, Argyll and north parts of Perthshire.
Once common, they have suffered dramatic losses as the more successful greys compete for woodland habitat and food sources.
Grey squirrels are spreading from the central lowlands, Angus and Aberdeen.
In May this year, the first case of squirrelpox was confirmed in Lockerbie, just north of the border, after making inroads through England.
Positive blood samples in grey squirrels - who are not susceptible to the virus - have been found in 53 cases in Dumfries and Galloway and 27 in the Scottish Borders.
Mel Tonkin, who is running the survey, said: "Red squirrels are an important part of Scotland's woodlands and while we know what is causing their decline, we need better information about where the squirrel hotspots are in order to protect them.
Members of the public can help by submitting sightings, including those of grey squirrels, to the survey.
Squirrel sightings can be reported on line at www.scottishsquirrelsurvey.co.uk .
