WATCH

Squirrels seen at UP Diliman

Squirrels have been reportedly seen at the University of the Philippines Diliman campus.

On Monday, the Facebook page UP Wild shared a video what looked like the furry creature moving across tree branches. 

“Oh no, the squirrels are in UPD!” the caption on the post said.

“This is, to our knowledge, the first squirrel sighting inside the campus. Although it is very cute (let’s give it to them) and reminds us of cartoon characters, this is BAD news for our biodiversity!” it added. 

According to UP Wild, Finlayson’s squirrels (Callosciurus finlaysonii) are exotic species that have the potential to become invasive.

“They reproduce fast like other rodents, and predate on our native fauna (they raid bird nests). It’s like introducing a novel enemy to the local community (yes, it sounds very familiar),” the page said.

According to animaldiversity.org, Finlayson’s squirrels have a significant impact on native species where they have been introduced. As an invasive species whose diet consists of plants, they are known to strip trees’ barks.

They are also said to destroy electric cables and other structures.

UP Wild said these squirrels are naturally found in Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam, and are most likely introduced in the Philippines due to pet trade.

“Pet owners may have intentionally or accidentally released squirrels to the wild. Now, the squirrels are breeding in parks and residential areas such as Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife, La Mesa Ecopark, Forbes Park, Alabang and Dasma villages!” said UP Wild.

The page encouraged readers to share other squirrel sightings and urged the public “to be responsible owners and never release pets to the wild.”

According to its Facebook page, UP Wild is “a community to appreciate the flora and fauna in UP Diliman, and to raise awareness on the importance of urban green spaces for biodiversity.” – RC, GMA News