A large fruit bat native to the Ryukyu Islands of Japan and some nearby islands, including Taiwan and the Philippines. This fascinating creature is a member of the megabat family, which means it is one of the larger types of bats. Unlike many other bats, the Ryukyu flying fox does not rely on echolocation to navigate. Instead, it uses its sharp eyesight and keen sense of smell to find food, making it more similar to primates in its sensory abilities.

One of the most striking features of the Ryukyu flying fox is its size. With a wingspan reaching up to 1.2 meters (about 4 feet), gliding through the air is an impressive sight. Its body is covered in thick, soft fur that is usually a dark brown or black, with a lighter, often reddish-brown or yellowish collar around its neck. This distinctive coloration helps it blend into the dense forests where it lives. The bat’s face is somewhat fox-like, with large, dark eyes and pointed ears, where it gets its name.

The Ryukyu flying fox is primarily a frugivore, feeding mainly on fruit. It strongly prefers figs, but it will also eat other fruits, flowers, nectar, and occasionally leaves. At night, it uses its excellent eyesight to spot ripe fruits, and its strong, clawed feet to grasp and manipulate them while feeding. The bat’s diet plays a crucial role in its ecosystem because as it eats, it also helps in seed dispersal.

These bats are social animals often seen roosting in large groups during the day, hanging upside down from the branches of tall trees. Their roosting sites, known as camps, can sometimes house hundreds of bats. They are generally quiet animals, but they can make soft, high-pitched calls to communicate with each other, especially when they are disturbed or when there is competition for food.

Distribution

Country

Population est.

Status

Year

Comments

Japan

2016

Nansei-Shoto

Philippines

2016

Taiwan

2016