LIMERICK people are being called on to become citizen scientists to support the ‘All-Ireland Squirrel and Pine Marten Survey’.
Limerick Council is encouraging the public to help track some of our most iconic woodland mammals – the red squirrel, the grey squirrel, and pine martens.
Members of the public are invited to record their sightings of the species throughout 2026, helping researchers build a picture of how populations are changing.
The red squirrel is Ireland’s only native squirrel species, once widespread in forests and wooded areas. The introduction of the grey squirrel in 1911 had devastating consequences the species through disease and competition for food, leading to the disappearance of red squirrels from large parts of the country.
However, recent surveys revealed an unexpected turnaround, with the grey squirrel being knocked back in certain areas, and the reds showing signs of recovery.
Research linked this shift to the successful comeback of another native species, the pine marten - tree dwelling carnivores and one of the few predators that can successfully hunt grey squirrels.
Sinead McDonnell, biodiversity officer at Limerick Council is encouraging Limerick participation in the survey, saying:
“Encouragingly, very few grey squirrels have been reported in Limerick to date and sightings of pine martens are also low.”
“More reporting from the Limerick public will help to develop a clearer picture of the relationship between three species.”
Sightings of all three mammals can be recorded on the online survey form biodiversityireland.ie. The survey is part of a long-running monitoring programme, with previous surveys carried out on four occasions since 1997, providing vital insights into long-term trends and conservation success.