A genetic analysis of grey squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis) populations in Ireland

Abstract The grey squirrel ( Sciurus carolinensis ) is an invasive rodent in Ireland that has had detrimental impacts on the native Irish red S. vulgaris as well silviculture. This species spread rapidly throughout Ireland, but recent years appears to be declining certain areas of country. study analysed genetic profile populations gain insight into their introduction, evolutionary history and vulnerability management strategies. diversity population structure eight was assessed using 11 species-specific microsatellite loci, compared a small from Tennessee, U.S.A., part range squirrel. first time these markers developed specifically for squirrels have been used Ireland. We found low moderate overall across presence inbreeding. One particular, (in Co. Kildare), differentiated all other populations, which could indicate isolation between or secondary introduction