Callosciurus finlaysonii (Horsfield, 1823)

Nomenclature and Taxonomy

Finlayson's squirrel, also called the variable squirrel, with the scientific name Callosciurus finlaysonii (Horsfield, 1823), is a rodent species belonging to the family Sciuridae.

Native Range

It is native to Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam.

Habitat

This species lives in a wide variety of wooded habitats, which also includes gardens and urban parks in cities such as Bangkok.

Etymology

The species was named to honor George Finlayson, a Scottish naturalist and traveller.

Subspecies Variation

It has many subspecies that differ widely in appearance.

Introduced Populations (Singapore and Italy)

One subspecies, C. f. bocourti (which has the synonym C. f. floweri), has been introduced to Singapore and two regions in Italy.

Introduction Vector

This introduction likely happened because the species is popular in the pet trade.

Introduced Populations (Japan)

It is possible that some Callosciurus squirrels introduced to Japan are also Finlayson's squirrels.

Introduced Populations (Philippines)

Finlayson's squirrel has also been introduced to the Philippines, specifically in the Greater Manila area, where it is classified as an invasive species.