Packed with information and visual delights, this compact little volume covers 40 topics in just 124 pages and is bound by an excellent cover photo of a British red squirrel. Written by a zoologist who researches squirrel habitat and behavior, the book includes many fascinating technical facts to extend our knowledge of these animals. However, a real bonus is the generous collection (almost one per page) of marvelous detailed pen and ink drawings by Guy Troughton. Many are accurate and life-like renditions, such as a mother nursing two youngsters. Others, however, are amusing sketches to illustrate a point. A bemused young squirrel is shown falling through the bottom of his amateurish drey. Another has an angry tree dweller throwing bits of bark down at its visitors.
A theme of the book is the "whodunit" look at the decline of the native red squirrels in the British Isles beginning after 1900. Was the 1878 release of North American grey squirrels in Cheshire to blame? Probably it was disease and timber cutting affecting predominantly the reds; read the complicated evidence for more details.
Of course, much information is given on the biology and habitats of red and grey squirrels, including comparisons of size (10 oz. for reds vs. 18 oz. for greys), weight gain for winter (12% vs. 25%) and food choices. These seem to favor greys, but a world map shows greys originating in eastern North America, while reds are found in England, across Europe and the former USSR and into China and Korea.
In the hunt for food, squirrels are said to be able to tell a good nut from one with a withered kernel without gnawing it open. Saves energy! Speaking of which, the lower incisors have an unusual move. The lower jaw is split in halves and joined by strong muscles which can move the lower incisors apart, making a strong chisel tool for prying open nuts.
Next to food, finding shelter has a prime spot on a squirrel's agenda. The book gives considerable information about locating and building nests, multiple nests and nest sharing. They build the common tree drey, of course, often in multiple versions to escape heat or parasites, or to be closer to a food source. They've also been noted in less conventional nests inside fallen trees, rabbit holes, church towers and among tree roots. Squirrels commonly share a drey in small groups. Reds and greys also share with each other, but do not interbreed, even on the coldest night.
The author provides useful and detailed advice on caring for orphaned, sick and injured animals. Youngsters thrive with a warm even temperature, regular food and clean bedding (and who wouldn't?). Older squirrels are reported prone to shock when stressed or injured. Advice on dealing with this is given.
Overall, Squirrels is an easy and informative read which includes
a biology primer and the British perspective on the invasion of greys from
North America. The drawings included are a great bonus!
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