The smallest body length of the scale-tailed flying squirrel is less than 20 cm, and its weight is only 14 grams to 17.5 grams. The largest can reach a total length of 90 cm and weigh 2 kg. Scale-tailed flying squirrels are nocturnal and live in tree cavities. They generally live alone or in pairs. They open their membranes and glide from tree to tree. The farthest gliding distance is 250 meters. The scales on their tails help them climb trees. They are herbivorous and eat leaves, bark, nuts, fruits and flowers.

The squirrel inhabits tropical and subtropical rainforests. Distributed in Angola, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Republic of Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, C?te d’Ivoire, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Ghana, Kenya, Liberia, Malawi, Mozambique, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia. Their habitat is currently being destroyed.