American scaly-tailed flying squirrel (SciiFii)

The American scaly-tailed flying squirrel (Neopterascuirus communis), also known as the North American scaly-tailed flying squirrel, the North American scaly-tailed squirrel, and the American scaly-tailed squirrel, is a species of squirrel-like rodent in the family Anomaluridae that originally did not exist, but has since been created by SciiFii and introduced throughout the rainforests, swamps, forests, and open woodlands across North America to help boost biodiversity. The American scaly-tailed flying squirrel is a rather large rodent that can grow to be about 16 to 21 inches in head-and-body length and weigh between 1,300 to 2,000 grams (46 to 71 oz). Similar in appearance to the Pel's flying squirrel (Anomalurus pelii), its upper parts are mainly black, with some white patches, while the underparts are white. The margin of the patagium, the membrane joining the wrist with the ankle, is partly white, and that of the uropatagium, joining the ankles and tail, is all white. The ears are of average size and partly naked, the forefeet are mostly black, the hind feet often have white patches and the tail is plume-like. The American scaly-tailed flying squirrel is wholly nocturnal, spending the day in a hole in a tree and only emerging after dark. It feeds on bark, supplemented with fruits, nuts, seeds, flowers and leaves. It usually occurs in pairs, but as many as six individuals have been found sharing the same nesting site in a tree. If disturbed in its den, this rodent snaps its teeth and hisses, and the sound may be amplified by the acoustics of the hollow tree. 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 toucans and hornbills for nest sites. The conservation status of the American scaly-tailed flying squirrel is Least Concern due to successful conservation efforts, the American scaly-tailed flying squirrel's wide range and its tolerance to many of the human activities.