Naked Science Forum

Life Sciences => Plant Sciences, Zoology & Evolution => Topic started by: Panda on 05/02/2019 14:14:36

Title: Can grey and red squirrels reproduce?
Post by: Panda on 05/02/2019 14:14:36

If so, can their offspring then reproduce?

Title: Re: Can grey and red squirrels reproduce?
Post by: syhprum on 05/02/2019 19:15:07

For about 5 years my garden was frequented by a white squirrel which I under stand only comprise 0.001% of the population ,alas he does not seem to be around anymore I guess a Cat or a Fox got him.
I have a healthy population of the common grey ones but apparently no hybrids

Title: Re: Can grey and red squirrels reproduce?
Post by: evan_au on 06/02/2019 09:22:59

Quote

Can grey and red squirrels reproduce?

Yes.
- When grey squirrels reproduce, their offspring tend to be grey.
- When red squirrels reproduce, their offspring tend to be red.
- Their offspring tend to be the same colour as their parents
;)

Title: Re: Can grey and red squirrels reproduce?
Post by: syhprum on 06/02/2019 10:04:23

I think what the correspondent had in mind was  whether reds and greys can cross breed.
Some sources say the can interbreed and others say they can't take your choice !.
The Telegraph reports two other colours but does not mention white .

Title: Re: Can grey and red squirrels reproduce?
Post by: syhprum on 28/02/2019 16:07:35

I recently caught sight of a half white half grey squirrel in my garden it seems that the rare whites and common greys can hybridise (much like humans), it had a grey back and a white belly not the patches you see on Dutch rabbits and pigs.
I have left a camera handy but they are very timid and scamper of as soon as you raise a camera.