Summary
Join Rebecca Synnott as she shares her postdoctoral project with us. Her research investigates the origins, genetic diversity, and connectivity of the red squirrel population on the Isle of Bute, with the goal of supporting conservation strategies for isolated and fragmented red squirrel populations across Britain and Ireland.
Description
Recent observations indicate the presence of a self-sustaining red squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris) population on the Isle of Bute, Scotland, likely derived from Argyll’s mainland populations or historical introductions. Isolated populations such as these are particularly vulnerable to genetic drift, inbreeding, and disease, which can threaten their long-term survival.
This project aims to evaluate the genetic connectivity, colonisation pathways, and genetic health of this population using non-invasive genetic techniques. Mitochondrial DNA analysis will provide insights into maternal lineage and long-term population history, while microsatellite markers will measure genetic diversity, population structure, and relatedness. Together, these tools will identify genetic bottlenecks, levels of inbreeding, and gene flow between populations—key factors for understanding and enhancing the resilience of small, isolated populations.
An integral component of this work is the involvement of stakeholders and citizen scientists in sample collection and database building. Collaborating with local communities and conservation organisations, such as the Isle of Bute community and the Vincent Wildlife Trust, we aim to empower participants to contribute directly to the research. By engaging citizen scientists in collecting hair samples and recording sightings, we encourage public participation and foster a deeper understanding of red squirrel conservation.
The outcomes of this project will inform conservation efforts at local, regional, and national levels. Key partners, including Saving Argyll’s Rainforest and the Vincent Wildlife Trust, will apply these findings to safeguard red squirrel populations and advance broader ecological restoration goals. This study also provides a valuable case study on aligning scientific research with community engagement to achieve practical and scalable conservation outcomes.
Rebecca Synnott is a conservation biologist and postdoctoral researcher with a background in molecular genetics, invasive species ecology, and small mammal conservation. She holds a joint honours degree in Zoology with Cell and Molecular Biology and recently completed her PhD research on the conservation genetics of red squirrels in Ireland and the management of invasive grey squirrels in the UK.
She is currently working on a postdoctoral project funded by Research Ireland through an Enterprise Partnership Scheme with the Vincent Wildlife Trust. Her research investigates the origins, genetic diversity, and connectivity of the red squirrel population on the Isle of Bute, with the goal of supporting conservation strategies for isolated and fragmented red squirrel populations across Britain and Ireland.
Rebecca is passionate about bridging research and practice through science communication and regularly engages with citizen scientists, NGOs, and the public to promote biodiversity conservation.
