Disclaimer: The Aventura parks website’s Nature Trail section (Animal and plant ) is an educational resource written largely by and for our dear guests. It doesn’t cover all species in the world, nor does it include all the latest scientific information about organisms we describe. Though we edit our accounts for accuracy, we cannot guarantee all information in those accounts. While our staff and contributors provide references to books and websites that we believe are reputable, we cannot necessarily endorse the contents of references beyond our control.
NORTHERN PALM SQUIRREL
DID YOU KNOW
The five-striped palm squirrel was first spotted on UAE soil in 2009 in Ras Al Khaimah. Since then, their population has increased dramatically, now spanning almost the whole of the UAE from Dubai and Abu Dhabi, all the way to Dibba. The study found that the animals were probably introduced to the region as pets, however, they have since been released into the wild
and could be potentially problematic to local wildlife.
FUN FACT
They have become an “extreme threat” in Australia where they were previously introduced, according to the National Pest Committee, as well as in their native India where they have created problems by eating fruit crops and birds’ eggs.
The northern palm squirrel is a common species throughout most of its wide range. It is an adaptable species and no particular threats have been identified.
