Identification:
Description:
Medium-sized squirrels. Fur color varies: different populations in Vietnam exhibit black coloration (Côn Đảo), red or a mix of brown-red or red-gray (Sa Thầy, Kontum Province); or grayish-brown with a yellowish-brown belly (Phú Quốc).
Biology and Ecology:
Habitat and Behavior:
Lives in primary forests and mixed forests, sometimes foraging in plantation forests. In Côn Đảo, they are active in all habitats. These squirrels are diurnal, nesting in tree hollows. They give birth to 1-3 offspring between May and August.
Distribution:
Vietnam:
Three subspecies are found in Vietnam:
- Callosciurus finlaysonii germanii Milne-Edwards, 1867, distributed in the forests of Côn Đảo.
- Callosciurus finlaysonii harmandi Milne-Edwards, 1877, distributed on Phú Quốc Island.
- Callosciurus finlaysonii cinnamameus Temminck, 1853, distributed in Kontum and Lâm Đồng provinces.
Global:
Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia.
Value:
Significance:
These squirrels are aesthetically valuable due to their attractive coloration. They are easy to keep and can be kept as pets in parks and zoos.
Conservation Status:
Population Status and Threats:
Although the distribution area is extensive, the current habitats of each subspecies are shrinking due to deforestation, estimated to be less than 2000 km2. Black squirrels in Côn Đảo and grayish-brown squirrels with yellowish-brown bellies in Phú Quốc are few in number. The red and brown-red squirrels in Kontum are heavily hunted, and their habitats are damaged. Their population has decreased by more than 20% in the last 10 years, and this decreasing trend is expected to continue.
IUCN Status:
LR nt (Lower Risk, near threatened)
Conservation Measures:
Actions:
Listed in the Vietnam Red Book. Hunting is prohibited. It is necessary to include red squirrels in the list of priority conservation species in Côn Đảo National Park, Phú Quốc, and Chưmomray.