There are an estimated 140,000 red squirrels in the UK, compared with more than two million greys The pine marten has emerged as an unlikely ally for the beleaguered native red squirrel in its battle with the grey squirrel. This is according to scientists at the University of Aberdeen, who carried out an in-depth forensic study of the relationship between the three species.
![Red squirrel numbers boosted by predator](https://cdn-ak-scissors.b.st-hatena.com/image/square/b65944dfbb31882b26c4aa6459b0a13c8951b01c/height=288;version=1;width=512/https%3A%2F%2Fichef.bbci.co.uk%2Fnews%2F1024%2Fbranded_news%2FECEC%2Fproduction%2F_94825606_redsquirrel-bytimblackburn.jpg)