Sunday 29 April 2007

Eastern Grey Squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis)

OTHER NAMES: Squirrel, Grey Squirrel
Latin Etymology: Sciurus ("squirrel") carolinesis ("of Carolina")
Adult Eastern Grey Squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis - unknwon subspecies) at Regent's Park, London - November 2009

Featured Subspecies: Unknown
Length: 42-55cm  /  Weight: 400-600g
UK STATUS NOT EVALUTATED IUCN Red List: Least Concern

A very common species found in parks and woodland throughout the UK. It is partially arboreal and can often be seen climbing in the upper reaches of trees, as much as it is on the ground. An introduced species, it carries parasites which are very dangerous to the native red squirrel population and as such the red squirrel has been replaced in much of its range by this species.

Related Species:
Order: Rodentia 

Family: Sciuridae 
Genus: Sciurus 
SUBSPECIES: S. c. carolinesis, S. c. extimus, S.c. fuliginosus, S. c. hypophaeus, S. c. pennsylvanicus

- Sighting Locations -
UNITED KINGDOM - An abundant resident - probably the most easily seen mammal in the UK
 - Seen at various sites including Geddington and Regent's Park


Further Notes: 
BirdForum Opus, IUCN Red List RSPB, Wikipedia, Xeno-canto 

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