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Scientists have uncovered that the gut microbiome might explain why grey squirrels have an edge over their red counterparts.
Introduced from North America in the late 19th century, grey squirrels have become invasive in the UK and Ireland, encroaching on the native red squirrel population.
These grey rodents are not only competing with red squirrels for sustenance and living space but are also carriers of squirrel pox, a virus fatal to red squirrels yet seemingly harmless to grey ones.
Their inclination to strip bark, detrimental to woodland sustainability, has puzzled experts. However, a look at the gut microbiome suggests grey squirrels boast a richer variety of intestinal bacteria.
DNA sequencing has shed light on the bacterial species in both squirrel variants, revealing a species in grey squirrels that assists in breaking down oxalate, a plant element.
This finding proposes that grey squirrels’ bark-stripping habit might be linked to their ability to extract calcium from the bark, due to their distinctive gut flora.
Research shared in the Journal of Medical Microbiology alludes to the broader health benefits and diet diversity grey squirrels enjoy over red squirrels, thanks to their superior microbiome.
UN reports on threatened animal species
The study’s main scientist, Roberto La Ragione, stresses the endangered status of red squirrels in the UK and attributes part of the grey squirrel’s success to its gut microbiome.
Chris Nichols, looking to the future, hopes that understanding grey squirrels will aid in safeguarding red squirrels and indigenous UK trees, critical to conservation efforts.
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FAQ Section
Why are grey squirrels a problem in the UK?
Grey squirrels pose a threat to red squirrels by outcompeting them for resources and carrying squirrel pox, as well as causing significant damage to trees through bark stripping.
What has recent research revealed about grey squirrels?
Research has shown that grey squirrels have a more diverse gut microbiome that includes bacteria capable of digesting oxalate, which may help them extract nutrients like calcium from tree bark.
How does the gut microbiome benefit grey squirrels compared to red squirrels?
The diversity in their gut microbiome aids in their general health and immunity and allows them to have a broader diet and access a wider range of resources.
What is the implication of the study on grey squirrels?
Understanding the biological advantages that grey squirrels have can inform conservation strategies to protect red squirrels and manage woodland conservation more effectively.
Conclusion
The battle for survival between grey and red squirrels in the UK has shed light on the importance of gut bacteria in an animal’s ecological success. Recent studies point to the diverse microbial population within grey squirrels as a crucial factor in their ability to outlive and outcompete their red relatives. With this knowledge, conservationists hope to better tackle the issues that arise from the presence of grey squirrels and work towards preserving the endangered red squirrel population, as well as the health of native British woodlands.
