Red squirrel population thrives on Isle of Wight

The Isle of Wight is home to around 3,500 red squirrels, one of the biggest populations of the endangered animal in southern England. Red squirrels are native to Britain, but their numbers have fallen sharply across the country. Grey squirrels, which were brought to Britain from North America, compete with them for food. Habitat loss has also made things worse. Because the Isle of Wight is an island, grey squirrels have not been able to reach it, so the red squirrel population there has been able to grow. The island has enough woodland and natural food to support the animals well. By comparison, only about 200 red squirrels survive on three small islands near Poole Harbour in Dorset.