Bats of the ge nus
Pteropus, belonging to the Megachiroptera sub-order, are the largest
bats in the world. They are commonly known as the Fruit Bats or Flying
Foxes among other numerous colloquial names. They live in the tropics
and subtropics of Asia (including the Indian subcontinent), Australia,
Indonesia, islands off East Africa (but not the mainland Africa), and a
number of remote oceanic islands in both the Indian and Pacific Oceans.
The oldest ancestors of the genus Pteropus to be unearthed appear in
the fossil record almost exactly as they are today, the only notable
differences being early flight adaptations such as a tail for
stabilizing. The oldest megachiropteran is dated at around 35 million
years ago, but the preceding gap in the fossil record makes their true
lineage unknown.
Characteristically, all species of flying foxes only feed on nectar,
blossom, pollen, and fruit, which explains their limited tropical
distribution. They do not possess echolocation, a feature which helps
the other sub-order of bats, the Microbats, locate and catch prey such
as insects in mid-air. Instead, smell and eyesight are very
well-developed in flying foxes. Feeding ranges can reach up to 40 miles.
When it locates food, the flying fox "crashes" into foliage and grabs
for it. It may also attempt to catch hold of a branch with its hind
feet, then swing upside down — once attached and hanging, the fox draws
food to its mouth with one of its hind feet or with the clawed thumbs at
the top of its wings.
The flying fox has been suggested as the source of sightings of the
cryptid, the Ropen, in Papua New Guinea.
Many species are threatened today with extinction, and in particular
in the Pacific a number of species have died out as a result of
over-harvesting for human consumption. In Ghana and the Marianas, flying
fox meat is considered a delicacy, which led to a large commercial
trade. In 1989 all species of Pteropus were placed on Appendix 2
(threatened) of CITES and at least seven on Appendix 1 (endangered). The
subspecies P. h. maris of the Maldives is considered endangered due to
limited distribution and excessive culling. The commerce in fruit bats
continues either illegally or because of inadequate restrictions. Local
farmers may also attack the bats because they feed in their plantations,
and in some cultures it is believed their meat can cure asthma.
Non-human predators include birds of prey, snakes, and other mammals.
Drawing of skeleton of an Indian Flying-fox Pteropus giganteus
The Spectacled Flying Fox, native to Australia, is threatened by the
paralysis tick which carries paralyzing toxins.
Physical Characteristics
On average, P. vampyrus is the largest species, with a wingspan of up
to 7 feet (2.1 meters) but a weight of only 1.5 kg (3.3 lb.). Other
species have impressive widths, such as the Indian flying fox (P.
giganteus) which has a 5 foot (1.2 meter) wingspan. Pelage is long and
silky with a dense underfur. No tail is present. As the name suggests,
the head resembles that of a small fox because of the small ears and
large eyes. Females have one pair of mammae located in the chest region.
Ears are simple (long and pointed) with the outer margin forming an
unbroken ring (a defining characteristic of megabats). Toes have sharp
curved claws. |
