Laotian giant flying squirrel discovered by white people

An international team of biologists from Thailand, UK and the Lao People’s Democratic Republic has described a new species of flying squirrel in the genus Biswamoyopterus.The new species is named Biswamoyopterus laoensis. The suggested common name is the Laotian giant flying squirrel.

Biswamoyopterus laoensis is a large flying squirrel that weighs 1.8 kg and measures about 42 inches (1.08 m) in total length – the body is about 18 inches (0.46 m) long and the tail is 24 inches (0.62 m) long. It was first noted in a bush meat market, and I imagine considered quite tasty in the hands of the right cook. It will probably be only a few more years before it is extinct, knowing contemporary conservation habits, or lack thereof, in the region.