Finlayson's squirrel

Finlayson's squirrel, also called the variable squirrel, Callosciurus finlaysonii, is a species of rodent in the family Sciuridae found in Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam. It occurs in a wide range of wooded habitats, including gardens and parks in cities such as Bangkok, and it was named in honour of the Scottish naturalist and traveller George Finlayson. The head and body measure about 21 to 22 centimetres and the tail 22 to 24 centimetres. Sixteen subspecies are recognised, and their fur varies enormously, from whitish through reddish and brownish to blackish. Like other beautiful squirrels of the genus Callosciurus it is a canopy dweller feeding mainly on fruit. The species has been introduced to Singapore, Italy and the Philippines, probably through the pet trade, and it is listed as an invasive alien species of Union concern in the European Union.