MEMBERS of the public have been urged to help protect Scotland's threatened red squirrel population.
The native species is at risk from the fatal squirrel pox virus, which is spread by the more aggressive and disease-resistant grey species.
People have been asked to report sightings of both types of squirrel as part of a project brought forward
by the environmental body Scottish Natural Heritage. The survey results will be used to build up a detailed picture of both kinds of squirrel.
Scotland presently supports about 121,000 of the estimated UK red squirrel total of 161,000.
Experts say the need for information is more urgent after the discovery of squirrel pox virus last year. Members of the public will be able to take part in the project through a leaflet campaign, allowing them to return their records by freepost to survey co-ordinators.
It is hoped that by the end of 2010, measures will have been drawn up to secure the future of the red squirrel.
Deputy Environment Minister Rhona Brankin, who is backing the project, said: "The red squirrel is under serious threat in Scotland and we need to maximise our knowledge in order to halt the decline of this native species.
"This can only be done with the help and expertise of local squirrel groups and volunteers and I encourage everyone who takes part to collect the most extensive information possible."
