Finlayson's Squirrel So Cute Animal
Finlayson’s Squirrel: A Colorful Tree-Dweller of Southeast Asia
Finlayson’s squirrel, scientifically known as Callosciurus finlaysonii, is one of the most visually striking members of the squirrel family. Also referred to as the variable squirrel, this species is native to Southeast Asia, particularly Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, and parts of Vietnam. Named after the Scottish naturalist George Finlayson, who first documented the species in the 19th century, this squirrel is celebrated not only for its adaptability and ecological role but especially for its astonishing range of coat colors and patterns.
Physical Description: A Squirrel of Many Colors
One of the most distinctive features of Finlayson’s squirrel is its extreme variation in coloration. Unlike most squirrel species that have relatively consistent fur coloring, Finlayson’s squirrel is famously polymorphic. Its fur can range from deep chestnut red, gray, and olive-brown to pure white or jet black. Some individuals have striking bicolor patterns, such as a red body with a white belly, or even tricolor forms.
There are over a dozen recognized subspecies, each with distinct color variations. For instance:
C. f. finlaysonii is typically reddish with white underparts.
C. f. boonsongi is almost entirely white.
C. f. ferrugineus sports a rich rusty red.
C. f. germaini is commonly gray or gray-brown.
This extraordinary variability often causes confusion in identification, and at one time, many of these were thought to be entirely separate species.
Adult Finlayson’s squirrels are medium-sized, measuring around 20–25 cm in body length, with tails nearly as long as their bodies. The bushy tail serves as a counterbalance for climbing and leaping through trees, and it plays a role in communication and thermoregulation.
Habitat and Distribution
Finlayson’s squirrel is a forest-dwelling species, but its adaptability has allowed it to thrive in a variety of environments:Tropical and subtropical forests
Plantations and agricultural zones
Urban parks and gardens
Its native range centers around Thailand and neighboring countries, but populations have also been introduced in other parts of the world. Notably, Finlayson’s squirrel was introduced to Singapore and parts of Italy, where it has established feral populations and is considered an invasive species in some areas due to its impact on local flora and fauna.
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Device Information
| Device | cannon eos 700D |
|---|---|
| Lens | 55-250 zoom leans |
| Location | Bangladesh |
