Rodrigues Fruit Bat
Pteropus rodricensis
27.6648, -81.5158
Field Notes
Description:
The Rodrigues fruit bat or flying fox is a species of megabat. It can be brightly colored (red, yellow, orange) or more ordinary colors. They eat fruit & insects (without echolocation) using their wings as nets. Spotted in captivity.
Habitat:
Rodrigues Island (Mauritius, Indian Ocean). Mature trees in dense rainforest. Currently confined to a small valley.
Notes:
Critically Endangered.
I chose this as the Rodrigues because (1) ear visibility, (2) bright color, & (3) overall wider/rounder appearance of the head & shoulder area. The Malayan seems very slim through the head & shoulders.
Species ID Suggestions
Spotted for Missions
Photographed
PublishedAugust 21, 2011
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