Description
Callosciurus finlaysonii, often known as the variable squirrel or Finlayson’s squirrel, is a species of rodent in the Sciuridae family. Finlayson’s squirrel subspecies and individuals within subspecies have different coat colors. The coat’s colour can be completely crimson, completely black, or completely white. This species is frequently referred to as a “variable squirrel” due to the fluctuation of its coat colour. The exposed scrotum and testicles on the male, and a vulva that appears as a dark dot on a white backdrop on the female can distinguish males and females from one another. Four clearly visible teats are another way to identify females.
Habitat
It is present in Vietnam, Thailand, Laos, Myanmar, and Cambodia. The species can be found in a variety of woodland environments, including parks and gardens in big cities like Bangkok.
Behavior
The majority of the time that Finlayson’s squirrels are active—between 75.9% and 96.3% of the time—is spent foraging. Finlayson’s squirrel, like other members of its genus (the “beautiful squirrels,” Callosciurus), typically lives in trees’ canopy and eats mostly fruit. According to field data, it has the typical dichromatic mammalian colour vision, which would allow it to distinguish between ripe and unripe fruits.
As Pet
Finlayson’s squirrels eat a variety of trees in captivity.
Table
