Common squirrel
Squirrel / Ekorre / Red Squirrel
Common squirrel
Illustration: Common squirrel
Information about this species.
This species is an important part of the ecosystems in Västerbotten.
Facts & Characteristics
- Scientific Name: Sciurus vulgaris
- Category / Order: Säugetiere (Mammalia)
- Nature, Taiga & Waters of Västerbotten: Nature, Taiga & Waters of Västerbotten
- Native to Northern Sweden: Native to Northern Sweden
Questions & Answers (FAQ)
What role does the Eurasian red squirrel play in seed dispersal in the boreal coniferous forest?
As scatter-hoarders, red squirrels create numerous caches of seeds from Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) and Norway spruce (Picea abies) in autumn. Because they do not recover all their hidden caches, they significantly promote the natural regeneration and dispersal of these conifers.
How do red squirrels cope with the strong seasonal fluctuations in food availability?
Their diet is highly adaptable. While they rely heavily on energy-rich seeds and tree fungi in autumn, during late winter and spring—when cone caches are depleted—they switch to consuming buds, bark, and fresh shoots until new food sources become available.