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RockieRV
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The first grey squirrel to be officially reported in the Highlands may have arrived on the back of a lorry carrying hay or straw bales.
The region is deemed to be a stronghold for native reds, free of the risk of competition for food and a disease carried by the American species.
Full story here
The disease, which can be carried by greys without harming them, was found on the Queensberry Estate near Dumfries.
Routine monitoring of greys confirmed the infection.
The non-native species, which was introduced to Britain by the Victorians, has not previously been confirmed in the Highlands.
Strathdon in the heart of Aberdeenshire and Blair Atholl have been the nearest the animals have come to the region's borders.
Highland Red Squirrel Group was established to help monitor and conserve reds.
Mr Macdonald added that SNH was asking people to get in touch if they spotted a grey squirrel or to log any sightings on its squirrel survey website.
The region is deemed to be a stronghold for native reds, free of the risk of competition for food and a disease carried by the American species.
Full story here
The disease, which can be carried by greys without harming them, was found on the Queensberry Estate near Dumfries.
Routine monitoring of greys confirmed the infection.
The non-native species, which was introduced to Britain by the Victorians, has not previously been confirmed in the Highlands.
Strathdon in the heart of Aberdeenshire and Blair Atholl have been the nearest the animals have come to the region's borders.
Highland Red Squirrel Group was established to help monitor and conserve reds.
Mr Macdonald added that SNH was asking people to get in touch if they spotted a grey squirrel or to log any sightings on its squirrel survey website.