Five species of squirrels have been discovered at the Birzebbuga Freeport in a research study carried out by Nature Trust and the Malta Rodent Society, maltarightnow.com is reporting.

Arnold Sciberras told the website that these species could be invasive and could be damaging to the local biodiversity. This is because locally no other animal feeds on them and this means that their number could grow exponentially.

The study at the Freeport was carried out after photos of the Indian Palm type of squirrel - which originates in India and Sri Lanka - were public. When this species was introduced in West Australia it multiplied heavily and ended up becoming a threat to the environment.

Photo: Maltarightnow.com