Finlayson's Squirrel

(Callosciurus finlaysonii)


This is the common squirrel, seen throughout most of Thailand, in both rural and urban areas. They occur in many color phases, and their color may vary with the season. There are numerous subspecies, each with a distinct coloration, but intermediates of these exist.

A tree squirrel native to Southeast Asia, its range includes Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, and parts of Myanmar. It has also been introduced to other countries, such as Japan and Italy, where it has become invasive. It is known for its striking variability in fur coloration, which ranges widely depending on its geographic location and subspecies. The fur coloration is highly variable, hence the name "variable squirrel." It can be reddish-brown, black, white, gray, or a combination of these colors. Some individuals are entirely white or have contrasting patterns. Found in forests, plantations, gardens, and urban areas, it prefers tropical and subtropical environments. It is omnivorous, but primarily herbivorous. Its diet consists of fruits, seeds, nuts, leaves, flowers, and occasionally insects and bird eggs.