One of the most eye-catching bats in Australia, known for its bright reddish-brown fur that gives it a fiery glow against the night sky. They live across northern and eastern Australia, often roosting in huge, noisy colonies in trees along rivers, swamps, and forests. When thousands gather together, their red fur makes the treetops look like they’re filled with autumn leaves—even in the middle of summer.

What sets the Little red flying fox apart from other flying foxes is its feeding habits. While most flying foxes prefer fruits, this species is more of a nectar and blossom specialist. They play a crucial role as pollinators, feeding on the nectar and pollen of eucalyptus, melaleuca, and other native trees. Their long tongues and furry faces get dusted with pollen as they feed, turning them into flying pollinators that keep Australia’s forests healthy. In fact, without these bats, many tree species would struggle to reproduce. They are sometimes called the “hummingbirds of the night,” even though they’re much bigger.

Another distinct feature of the Little red flying fox is its social lifestyle. Unlike some bats that roost in small groups, these bats form massive camps, sometimes numbering in the tens of thousands. They hang tightly packed from tree branches, so close that their combined weight can snap branches. It’s a spectacular sight when they take off at dusk in huge swirling clouds, like a living storm of red wings filling the evening sky. Their loud chatter at the roost can also sound like a rainforest symphony, making them one of the most noticeable bats in their range.

Despite their size, they’re gentle creatures that rely on flowers and nectar, not fruit raids or meat. And while some people see them as pests because of the mess they make in large colonies, ecologists know they are vital to keeping native forests thriving.

Distribution

Country

Population est.

Status

Year

Comments

Australia

2014

Papua New Guinea

2014

Presence Uncertain, Vagrant