Calabrian Black Squirrel

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. == Taxonomy == The Calabrian black squirrel was originally classified as a subspecies of the red squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris). However, studies published in 2009–2017 determined that it is unique in both genetics and appearance, leading to its recognition as a distinct species. Genetic testing in 2024 determined that the most recent ancestral population for the species existed in central Calabria during the Middle Pleistocene. Afterwards, the species underwent multiple periods of expansion and fragmentation as its preferred habitat extended during interglacials and shrank during glacial periods, culminating in its present range centered around three populations centered on distinct mountain massifs. == Description == 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)…