The Fox bat, often known as the Flying Fox, is a megabat genus (Pteropus). This genus has around 60 species of bats that can be found on tropical islands ranging from Madagascar to Australia, Indonesia, and mainland Asia. They’re fruit bats from the past. Flying foxes are the largest bats, with a wingspan of 5 feet (1.5 meters) and a head and body length of 16 inches (40 cm).
The flying fox features a fox- like head with short ears and large eyes, as their name suggests. Their claws are sharp and curled on their toes. These huge bats eat fruit and other plants, as well as insects that they find using their excellent sense of smell. Most species are nocturnal and rely on their vision to travel because they lack the ability to use echolocation like other bats.
These bats have binocular eyesight and are able to see in low light. Individuals and family groupings reside in vast colonies where these sophisticated animals live. They set up permanent and semi-permanent camps in locations where food is plentiful.
These flying foxes can be heard making numerous cries to communicate as they leave to feed or return to sleep at dawn and twilight. They roost on trees throughout the day because they are usually nocturnal. Flying foxes live for a long time and reproduce slowly, with most females having only one offspring each year.
As a result, they are subject to hazards including culling, overhunting, and natural calamities. Overhunting has resulted in the extinction of six species in recent years. Farmers typically regard flying foxes as pests because of the harm they bring to crops.
Flying foxes have been blamed in various nations for ruining fruit and nut crops, including areca in India, almonds, mangos, and guavas in the Maldives, lychee in Mauritius, and stone fruits in Australia. By 2018, the IUCN had assessed 62 species of flying fox.
Three are extremely endangered, seven are endangered, twenty are vulnerable, six are near threatened, and fourteen are of low concern. Eight of the remaining 12 species have insufficient evidence to adequately assess their state, and four are thought to be extinct.