Malayan Flying Foxes

Species: Malayan Flying Foxes
Habitat: Jungle and Mangrove Forests
Status: Near Threatened
DAK Locale: Maharajah Jungle Trek

The Malayan flying fox is also known as the large fruit bat, and large is right, it is the largest of any known bat with a wingspan that can eclipse 6 feet. Also, as its names indicates, it eats fruit, not blood. They will also eat pollen and leaves, but figs, which are common in the area, are the big part of the diet. In fact, there are trees growing in the exhibit that were planted as a result of the fruit eaten by fruits when the exhibit first opened.

The fruit bats have been known to fly over 40 miles in search of food. Because they eat fruit, flying foxes do not possess echolocation like their insectivore brethren. Instead, the flying fox relies on scent and vision, which explains their large eyes. They are also more active by day, although they are generally nocturnal.

Bat pups spend the first few days of life on their mother's back. They live in colonies which in some instances can number in the thousands. These colonies are generally found high up in the trees of the Asian forests. They can be noisy places indeed, especially when feeding.

The Latin name of the animal is pteropus vampryus. Yes, that's vampire. Fans of the fictitious monster will recognize this bat as the model for the legend. However, this critter is nothing like the vampire bat of South America. It does not drink blood, just nectar. Dracula has little in common with the Malayan flying fox. In fact, while many people are spooked by bats in the states, over in Asia the animal is often considered good luck.

It make look "creepy" as they use their clawed wings to crawl along a branch, but they are quite gentle. Bats are the only mammals that actually fly. If you look closely at the wing, you will see the bone structure of a hand spread out.

Malayan flying foxes are not yet endangered but are considered near threatened. That is, the population has declined sharply in recent years. The major causes of this are loss of habitat and over hunting. The bat's fat is believed by some to cure rheumatism, and the meat is considered a cure for asthma. Farmers will sometimes kill them on site in fear of losing the orchard crops.