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They may be cute, but the Finlayson’s squirrels spotted in different parts of the country may be doing more harm than good.
Residents in Barangay San Lorenzo in Makati City are now complaining about the small creatures.
The barangay chairperson lost his Internet connection at home after the squirrels nibbled on the connection wires.
“We’ve been receiving these reports for over two years already. Before we noticed that it was limited to Dasmariñas and Forbes. Then a few years ago we started seeing them here,” said barangay chairperson Jose Emmanuel Recto.
The city veterinarian, on the other hand, said the squirrels are now considered pests.
“It would appear that they are pests already… We will have a problem if these go to our farms and eat our crops,” said Katherine Mangahas.
The Makati City Veterinary Office said the squirrels have been spotted in seven barangays: Forbes Park; Dasmariñas; Bel-Air; San Lorenzo; Urdaneta; Magallanes; and Pinagkaisahan.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Biodiversity Management Bureau (DENR-BMB) said there are nine squirrel species in the Philippines.
The Finlayson’s squirrels are usually found in neighboring countries such as Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar, and is considered an invasive alien species in the Philippines.
Aside from Metro Manila, the DENR-BMB said there are also sightings of the Finlayson’s squirrels in Cavite, Batangas, Rizal, and Nueva Ecija.
The DENR-BMB said it has already controlled the population of the said squirrel species in the country, but must beef up its efforts to control their numbers again.
“Not good for the environment, so let us not treat them as an opportunity, take care of them as pets,” said DENR-BMB wildlife resources division chief Anson Tagtag.
Officials of the Barangay San Lorenzo in Makati City said the DENR’s guidelines in trapping squirrels, which requires monitoring every eight or 10 hours, are not practical and safe for barangay personnel.
“If we get to capture some of these animals, we don’t know where to keep them. Because sometimes the DENR personnel don’t arrive immediately,” said Recto.
“There are no clear guidelines… What is acceptable to them for mercy killing, so that we can all do it the same way and comply with the requirements of the law,” said Mangahas.
The DENR-BMB reminded the public to turn over any spotted squirrels to them as the squirrels also pose health risks to humans like rabies.
“The DENR will handle the humane disposal for safety reasons. They need to be cleared out because they are documented to be detrimental to our environment,” said Tagtag.
Finlayson’s squirrels
Finlayson’s squirrels are not a specific place or cultural site, but rather a species of squirrel native to Southeast Asia, known for their striking reddish-orange fur and bushy tails. They are named after the Scottish naturalist George Finlayson, who first described them in the 19th century during his travels in the region. These squirrels are commonly found in forests and urban areas, where they are admired for their vibrant appearance and agile behavior.
Barangay San Lorenzo
Barangay San Lorenzo is a prominent residential and commercial district located in Makati City, Philippines, known as part of the city’s central business district. Originally a part of the vast Hacienda San Pedro de Macati, it was later developed into an upscale neighborhood that houses the famous Greenbelt complex and the Ayala Museum. Its transformation from agricultural land to a modern urban hub reflects the rapid economic growth of Metro Manila.
Makati City
Makati City is the financial and commercial hub of the Philippines, known for its towering skyscrapers, luxury shopping malls, and vibrant business district. Originally a small farming and fishing community during the Spanish colonial era, it grew rapidly in the 20th century, particularly after World War II, when it was developed into the country’s premier central business district. Today, it stands as a symbol of Philippine economic progress, hosting the headquarters of major corporations, banks, and the Philippine Stock Exchange.
Dasmariñas
Dasmariñas is a first-class city in the province of Cavite, Philippines, named after Gómez Pérez Dasmariñas, a Spanish governor-general of the Philippines in the late 16th century. Originally a rural town, it experienced rapid urbanization and became a city in 2009, transforming into a major residential, commercial, and educational hub. Today, it is known for its universities, shopping centers, and historical landmarks like the Immaculate Conception Parish Church.
Forbes Park
Forbes Park is an exclusive, gated residential community in Makati, Philippines, developed in the 1950s on the former site of the Forbes Estate, named after American Governor-General William Cameron Forbes. It is known for its spacious lots, tree-lined streets, and high level of security, making it a prestigious address for the country’s elite. The park remains a symbol of upscale urban living in Metro Manila, with its historic character preserved through strict zoning and architectural guidelines.
Bel-Air
Bel-Air is an affluent residential neighborhood in Los Angeles, California, known for its luxurious mansions and celebrity residents. Developed in the early 20th century by Alphonzo Bell, the area was transformed from oil fields into an exclusive enclave, with many homes designed in grand architectural styles. It gained iconic status as the setting for the 1990s television series *The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air*.
Urdaneta
Urdaneta is a city in the province of Pangasinan, Philippines, named after the Spanish Augustinian friar and explorer Andrés de Urdaneta, who is known for discovering the return route from the Philippines to Mexico across the Pacific Ocean. Originally a settlement established in the 19th century, it was officially incorporated as a town in 1858 and later became a chartered city in 1998. Today, Urdaneta serves as a major commercial and transportation hub in the region, blending its historical roots with modern development.
Magallanes
Magallanes, officially the Region of Magallanes and Chilean Antarctica, is the southernmost region of Chile, known for its dramatic Patagonian landscapes, including the Strait of Magellan and Torres del Paine National Park. Its history is deeply tied to the first European circumnavigation of the globe by Ferdinand Magellan in 1520, who discovered the strait that bears his name. The region later became a key hub for maritime trade and settlement, particularly during the 19th-century sheep farming boom and the construction of the Punta Arenas port.
