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.

It has long been considered a subspecies of the red squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris), but studies published in 2009–2017 revealed that it is unique in both genetics and appearance, leading to its recognition as a distinct species.

[2] The Calabrian black squirrel lives in mixed forests in highlands, and its nests are often placed in pine or oak trees.

Its northernmost range limit and the southernmost Italian red squirrel are separated by a gap of more than 100 km (60 mi).

The Calabrian black squirrel has a stable population, but its small range means that it likely qualifies for near threatened or perhaps vulnerable.