Flying Fox - Vampire or Not?
Flying Fox Bat - This is really one cool creature.
What is it a bat, fox or an airplane? Acutally this animal is according to Wikipedia "Bats of the genus 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 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 giant bat "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 bat has been suggested as the source of sightings of the cryptid, the Ropen, in Papua New Guinea."
I love unusual animals and the Fox Bat is certainly unusual. We need to do all we can to protect this SUPER BAT from vanishing from the face of the earth. In certain parts of the world they eat this animal.
In fact, one reason they are on the endangered species list is because people have harvested to many of the beautiful creatures.
Ok, I understand eating but make sure it reproduces and the supply matches the demand.
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