British zoologist and collector Louis Fraser exploring the Niger basin brought a specimen of Lord Derby's scaly-tailed squirrel (Anomalurus derbianus) back to Britain.

[2] Ten years later, a specimen of another species, Pel's flying squirrel, was brought to Europe and showed similar anatomical features.

The tail was also unusual in that the free part resembled the shape of a feather, with the large cornified scales a prominent feature on the underside.

[2] Pel's flying squirrel is native to West Africa where its range includes eastern Liberia, southern Ivory Coast and southwestern Ghana.

[1] However, it appreciates separate trees that are not wreathed in lianas, because when it emerges from its den at night, it needs space to glide down to lower levels to feed.

[2] Given its large size, bold colouration and aggressive behaviour, this species may be able to drive off potential predators such as birds of prey, small carnivores and primates, and compete successfully with hornbills for nest sites.