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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Environment
Damian Carrington Environment editor

Red squirrels expand across Highlands after 10-year reintroduction drive

A red squirrel standing among autumn leaves
Scotland is home to about 80% of the UK’s 200,000 red squirrels. Photograph: Peter Cairns

Red squirrels have expanded their range across the Highlands by more than a quarter after a 10-year reintroduction programme moved hundreds to new homes.

The species once came close to extinction in Britain when foresters killed them as pests and their natural habitat was destroyed. A deadly virus carried by invasive grey squirrels has hampered their recovery.

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