Context

• The European Pine Marten, a small carnivore from the Mustelid family, preys more on the grey squirrel, that is not native to Britain and Ireland than the native red squirrel, new research has found.

Key Details

• Pine martens raid the nests of grey squirrels called ‘dreys’ and feed on juveniles and mothers caring for their young.
• It is also thought that the marten prefer grey squirrels as they are larger and thus a richer food source, the report said.
• Red squirrels, meanwhile, have evolved to live alongside martens, the study said.