Reintroducing Red Squirrels into Regent's Park

In late 1984 10 young Red Squirrels ( Sciurus vulgaris ) trapped in Scotland were released into Regent's Park and monitored by radio-telemetry. We wanted to investigate the reasons why the introduced Grey Squirrel has replaced the Red over much of Britain; disease, aggression and ecological competition have all been suggested as the cause. The relevant guidelines governing policy on reintroductions were followed. A few months after release, the animals appear well established. They benefit from a specially-designed hopper which allows them to feed from it but prevents Grey Squirrels doing so.