This is an arboreal species, found in many habitats including open woods, coconut plantations, and dense forest (Lekagul and McNeely 1988). It is very tolerant of degradation and fragmentation (Timmins and Duckworth 2008). Microgeographic overlap with Palla's Squirrel C. erythraeus seems to be extremely restricted in Lao PDR even though the two are widely sympatric there (Timmins and Duckworth 2008).
A major structured programme of collecting is required to clarify the complex taxonomy of this species in Lao PDR (Evans et al. 2000, Timmins and Duckworth 2008). There are many named and still unnamed forms in Thailand, Lao PDR and Viet Nam, some of which have small ranges, and which might be under threat. It is possible that the species as here constituted comprises more than one species. Taxonomic clarification is presently the conservation priority for this species.
https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/3596/22254494
CLASS : Mammalia
ORDER : Rodentia
FAMILY : Sciuridae
GENUS : Callosciurus
SPECIES : Variable Squirrel (Callosciurus finlaysonii)
Conservation status : Least Concern
Update : 06 April 2017
