| Calabrian black squirrel | |
|---|---|
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Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Mammalia |
| Order: | Rodentia |
| Family: | Sciuridae |
| Genus: | Sciurus |
| Species: | S. meridionalis |
| Binomial name | |
| Sciurus meridionalis Lucifero, 1907 | |
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| Approximate distribution in red | |
| Synonyms | |
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The Calabrian black squirrel (Sciurus meridionalis) is a species of tree squirrel in the genus Sciurus , endemic to the forests of the regions of Calabria and Basilicata, in the south of the Italian Peninsula.
It has long been considered a subspecies of the red squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris), but studies published in 2009–2017 revealed that it is unique in both genetics and appearance, leading to its recognition as a distinct species. [1] [2]
The Calabrian black squirrel is an arboreal animal that generally resembles the red squirrel in its behavior. Unlike the highly variable red squirrel, the Calabrian black squirrel is monomorphic (not variable in appearance), being very dark brown to blackish with contrasting white underparts. Compared to red squirrels of northern Italy, the Calabrian black squirrel is also significantly larger, weighing 280–530 g (10–18.5 oz) or on average about 35% more. [2]
The Calabrian black squirrel lives in mixed forests in highlands, and its nests are often placed in pine or oak trees. It mostly occurs near black pine, as the seeds are an important food source. The densest populations tend to occur in areas of mixed European beech and black pine woodland, followed by pure black pine. [3]
The historic range of the Calabrian black squirrel's range consisted of three distinct populations in the Aspromonte massif, La Sila plateau, and Pollino massif on the border with Basilicata, although the Sila and Pollino populations have merged in recent decades due to reforestation in the highlands connecting them. It is absent from the Serre Calabresi between the Aspromonte and La Sila. The northern limit of its range has been the northern Pollino, but it is slowly spreading north to the Lucan Apennines in Basilicata. Its northernmost range limit and the southernmost Italian red squirrel are separated by a gap of more than 100 km (60 mi). [2]
The Calabrian black squirrel has a stable population, but its small range means that it likely qualifies for near threatened or perhaps vulnerable. The most serious threat is possibly the Finlayson's squirrel, which has been introduced near its range. [2]
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