Pine martens may save UK's red squirrels

摘要

YOUR enemy's enemy is your friend. The UK's endangered red squirrels are getting an unexpected helping hand - from predators that kill the grey squirrels that threaten them. Grey squirrels are native to North America. They got settled in the UK in the 19th century after being brought over by a silk manufacturer, and soon began to suppress the native red squirrels. They are bigger, bolder and eat a more varied diet, and also carry a virus deadly to red squirrels. Today, they have driven red squirrels out of much of the UK - although in Europe the red squirrels remain widespread.