Red squirrels in the North East of Scotland have a new champion.
Stephen Willis has just taken up a new post which aims to protect and preserve our native squirrel.
As Red Squirrel Conservation Officer for North East Scotland, Stephen will be involved in a number of initiatives to help the endangered mammals.
Across Britain the red squirrel is in decline and could eventually become extinct in England and Wales.
Their grey cousins – introduced to Britain from North American in Victorian times – are mainly to blame for their dwindling numbers. The greys compete for food resources with the red squirrel and can also carry the virus squirrel pox which is fatal for the native red.
However the North East of Scotland is in a more fortunate position than other parts of the country, although the future of red squirrels is not secure.
So far the area has escaped squirrel pox and there are strong red squirrel populations in Deeside, Donside and Speyside.
Steven, who is based at the University of Aberdeen, will be involved in a range of measures over the next six months to try to safeguard their future.
Next year he will launch a major survey of red and grey squirrel populations across Aberdeenshire.
He will also liaise with landowners across Deeside and Donside over their grey squirrel control measures.
Steven also wants to let householders know that they could be unwittingly breaking the law depending on how they use humane squirrel traps.
He said: "Some people buy live squirrel traps to prevent squirrels from eating from their bird feeder or because they are worried about them entering the eaves of their homes.
"However we have had a number of reports of people catching grey squirrels in these traps and then freeing them into the countryside.
"But by doing so they are actually breaking the law because you are not allowed to set free a non native invasive species into the wild.
"This could have potentially devastating consequences for red squirrels.
"Depending on where they are being released, it could also jeopardise squirrels in areas like the Highlands and parts of Morayshire which are red strongholds."
While there are more reported sightings of grey squirrels in Aberdeen, there are still some central areas where the red squirrel can be seen such as Hazlehead Park.
Other areas where the red rodents have been spotted include Carnie Woods at Westhill; Scolty Woodland Park near Banchory; Kirkhill Forest just outside Aberdeen and Bennachie at Chapel of Garioch.
Stephen added: "We are very fortunate that we still have a strong red squirrel population. We are also lucky that there is a significant level of support for carrying out grey squirrel control in strategic locations where evidence suggests there is real benefit for the red squirrel.
"But we need to continue taking steps to ensure we safeguard the future of what is surely Scotland's most iconic mammal."
For more information about the North East squirrel population see: www.grampiansquirrelgroup.co.uk