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Rodrigues flying fox

Pteropus rodricensis

The Rodrigues flying fox is a big bat with large wings and a fluffy body. It loves to fly around at night, searching for sweet fruits to eat. These bats are very special and only found on Rodrigues Island!

Habitat: Forests

Appearance

The Rodrigues flying fox has soft, golden-brown to reddish fur covering its body, contrasting sharply with its dark, leathery wings. It possesses a distinctive fox-like face with large, inquisitive eyes and prominent ears.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassMammaliaOrderChiropteraFamilyPteropodidaeGenusPteropus
Rodrigues flying fox
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Rodrigues flying fox

Category

Mammals

Rarity

Rare

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

A strong sense of smell helps them sniff out their favorite juicy fruits.

These rare bats are found only on one tiny island in the whole world!

They are called "flying foxes" because their faces really look like foxes!

They hang upside down to sleep, often with thousands of friends!

Special abilities

Ability

Forest Gardener

Rodrigues flying fox can spread seeds widely because of its fruit-rich diet, helping new trees grow across the island.

Ability

Night Vision Master

Rodrigues flying fox has keen eyesight that helps them find ripe fruits and navigate through the forest in low light.

Ability

Pollinator Power

Rodrigues flying fox can drink nectar from flowers, helping to pollinate plants as it moves between blossoms.

Measurements & details

Length
20-22 cm
Wingspan
50-90 cm
Weight
0.3-0.35 kg
Lifespan
10-20 years
Top Speed
40 km/h
Litter Size
1
Gestation
140-150 days

Diet & Feeding

These bats are fruit-lovers, snacking on sweet fruits, nectar, and flowers from the forest.

Primary Foods

  • Mangoes
  • Figs
  • Bananas
  • Litchis
  • Nectar
  • Flowers

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

eats

Mauritius fig

Ficus mauritiana

consumes the fruit, helping disperse seeds widely.

eats

Rose apple

Syzygium jambos

feeds on the juicy fruit, spreading its seeds.

eats

Red Mimusops

Mimusops balata

eats fruits of this native tree, aiding forest regeneration.

pollinates

Chinese hibiscus

Hibiscus rosasinensis

drinks nectar from its flowers, transferring pollen.

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

It's best to watch bats from a distance and not disturb them while they are flying or resting.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is Rodrigues flying fox?

20-22 cm

What is Rodrigues flying fox's wingspan?

50-90 cm

How much does Rodrigues flying fox weigh?

0.3-0.35 kg

How long does Rodrigues flying fox live?

10-20 years

How fast can Rodrigues flying fox move?

40 km/h

What does Rodrigues flying fox eat?

These bats are fruit-lovers, snacking on sweet fruits, nectar, and flowers from the forest.

Where is Rodrigues flying fox usually found?

Forests

How does Rodrigues flying fox hunt?

Foraging

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Where to spot

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