Daven Tamayo

Cute invader: Finlayson’s squirrels sightings in various parts of Metro Manila, but experts aren’t too happy

Article (news)

Raphael Bosano

ABS-CBN News

<p>MANILA — You may have noticed several bushy-tailed critters running up and down tree trunks, crossing cable lines and have made this part of Luzon their playground.</p><p>It is, after all, not common to see Finlayson’s squirrels in this part of the world.  </p><p>But while this may seem charming, especially to children, the Department of Environment and Natural Resource says these creatures come with a serious warning. These are Finlayson’s squirrels and they are considered invasive.</p><p>Scientifically known as Callosciurus finlaysonii, Anson Tagtag, Chief of the DENR-Biodiversity Management Bureau’s Wildlife Resources Division says Finlayson’s squirrels are not native in the Philippines and were therefore brought in. </p><p>Based on their investigation and backtracking, the squirrel was brought into the Philippines by a foreigner who had it as a pet. The individual then, upon leaving the Philippines, may have released it into to the wild where it survived, thrived and eventually multiplied.</p><p>Having no predators, the squirrels are capable of giving birth to between two to four offspring at least twice a year. This combination, inevitably has lead to their rapid growth in terms of numbers.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>WHAT MAKES THEM ‘INVASIVE’?</strong></div><div><strong><span class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable" contenteditable="false" draggable="true"><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/eQzDemzuqVY?&amp;pp=0gcJCdMKAYcqIYzv&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe></span></strong></div><p>An invasive species isn’t just foreign to a certain area. It’s also a species that disrupts ecosystems, threatens biodiversity or causes harm to humans. Finlayson’s squirrels easily tick these conditions off.</p><p>“it has been known to prey on eggs of birds. So, trees ang natural population ng birds natin. And in the urban environment, they are also known to forage on vegetables, even fruits,” Tagtag said.</p><p>In both rural and urban settings, squirrels are known to forage rather aggressively on fruits and vegetables, crops in small farms and even on ornamental plants.</p><p>But there have also been cases where squirrels climbed electrical infrastructure and chewed on wires, causing transformer failures. It’s a rather small animal with big capacity for disruption.</p><p>“In fact, ang squirrel sa Metro Manila, na-discover yan, nung pumutok ang isang transformer. Nung tinignan nila, may squirrel na patay. So, ang conclusion was, umakyat siya sa transformer, nakaroon ng nginat-ngat na yung mga kable,” Tagtag said.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>HIDDEN HEALTH RISK</strong></div><p>Despite having a rather harmless appearance, they may still pose serious public health concerns.</p><p>Wild animals can act as reservoirs for different diseases and pathogens.</p><p>“It could be a carrier of rabies. Because wild animals are known reservoir of certain bacteria or viruses. Kung halimbawa tayo nakakagat or nagkakaroon ng interaction natin sa kanila, nakakaroon ng transmission. That could lead to certain disease,” Tagtag said. &quot;This means a bite or scratch isn’t just as painful, it can also carry rabies and other pathogens.&quot;</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>WHAT TO DO IF YOU SEE ONE?</strong></div><p>Spotting a Finlayson’s squirrel may be easier said than done at this point. They have so far been seen in Makati, Muntinlupa City and Quezon City in the National Capital region.  </p><p>If ever you do spot these rodents, here what authorities say you you should do:</p><div><em>- Don’t touch or feed it - </em></div><p>Resist the urge. Interaction increases health risks and encourages them to stay. </p><div><em>- Don’t try to capture it yourself.-</em></div><p>Handling wildlife without proper training can be dangerous for both you and the animal.  </p><div><em>- Report it to the DENR - </em></div><p>The DENR - Biodiversity Management Bureau has protocols for handling invasive species safely and responsibly.  </p><div><em>- Never keep one as a pet -  </em></div><p>Keeping or trading wildlife can worsen the problem and may violate environmental laws.</p>

<p>It is not common to see Finlayson’s squirrels in this part of the world. </p>

It is not common to see Finlayson’s squirrels in this part of the world.