New research suggests red squirrels may be more resilient than their grey counterparts, due to an ability to detect predators and adapt their behaviour accordingly.
A rising pine marten population has led to a sharp decline in grey squirrel numbers here in recent years. At the same time, there's been an increase in the number of native red squirrels.
Scientists from the University of Galway have been monitoring the creatures at two sites, over the last 16 months.
By reviewing footage captured by cameras at a number of feeding stations, they found that red squirrels fed less and showed increased vigilance at locations that had been visited by pine martens.
The research shows the heightened caution faded over time, suggesting that native squirrels are capable of assessing risk and adapting their responses to it.
The study says such instinctive behaviours may result from the long evolutionary history between red squirrels and native pine martens, allowing them to coexist.
In contrast, the grey squirrel, which was introduced to Ireland in the early 1900s, does not share that history or behavioural trait, leaving them more susceptible to predators.
The study by Dr Emily Reilly and Dr Colin Lawton is published in the Royal Society Open Science journal.
The analysis follows surveys at Derryclare Woods in Conamara and at Belleek Woods, in Co Mayo.
Dr Reilly said it was amazing to see how red squirrels responded to the presence of a pine marten at a feeding station, hours or even days earlier.
She said the level of sensitivity they displayed was impressive and had clearly given them a significant survival advantage.
