Flying foxes

FLYING FOXES ARE BIG TROPICAL BATS that tend to roost in large numbers and mainly feed on fruit, pollen and nectar.

- BY JO PRICE

They play a crucial ecological role as pollinators (when they eat, pollen sticks to their fur) and seed dispersers (via excretion), and are responsible for maintaining high plant diversity in the primary forest habitats that they live in.

Why are they called flying foxes?

They have heads that resemble a fox, with pointed ears and large eyes. They belong to the genus Pteropus (considered to be 'true' flying foxes), which is part of the megabat family Pteropodidae. Pteropus means 'winged foot', from the Greek words pteron (winged) and pus (foot). Acerodon species are also often referred to as flying foxes and are part of the Pteropodidae family.

Where do they live?

More than 60 species of flying fox are recognised, and they are found in tropical and subtropical regions of Asia, and islands in the Pacific and Indian oceans.

How big are flying foxes?

According to Guinness World Records, flying foxes are the largest bats in the world: “The biggest are generally considered to be the Indian flying fox (Pteropus giganteus) and the giant golden-crowned flying fox (Acerodon jubatus).” Several species in the genera Pteropus and Acerodon have a head-body length of up to 45cm, a wingspan of 1.7m and a weight of 1.6kg.

Why do they need large wings?