Finlayson's squirrel

Systematic position: Finlayson's squirrel (Callosciurus finlaysonii) belongs to the order Rodentia and the family Sciuridae. Native to Southeast Asia, this arboreal rodent has become an invasive species in various parts of the world, where it poses a significant threat to local agriculture and forestry operations.

Affected crops: This species is known to cause severe damage to fruit plantations and ornamental gardens. It is particularly destructive to citrus crops, mangoes, nut trees, and young saplings. By feeding on various parts of the plant, including bark and fruit, it jeopardizes both tree health and total yield production.

Biology and life cycle: The squirrel is a highly adaptable diurnal animal that constructs intricate nests within the tree canopy. Breeding can occur year-round, allowing the population to proliferate rapidly in environments lacking natural predators. Its high mobility enables it to move efficiently between trees, covering large areas in search of food.

Damage and harmfulness: The most critical damage occurs when squirrels strip the bark from branches or the main trunk, leading to tree stress, nutrient transport failure, and susceptibility to fungal or insect attacks. Additionally, they consume a significant volume of fruit, damaging the peel and exposing the interior to rot, making the harvest unsuitable for commercial sale.

Protection measures: Managing Finlayson's squirrel requires a multi-faceted strategy to prevent crop losses:

• Installing metal bands or baffles around tree trunks to prevent climbing.
• Using protective netting to cover fruit-bearing trees during the ripening season.
• Maintaining pruning standards to eliminate canopy bridges between trees.
• Implementing ethical trapping programs and non-lethal deterrents to mitigate population pressure.