#pteropodidae

A group of little red flying foxes (Pteropus scapulatus) roosting together in Nitmiluk National Park, NT, Australia

There's nothing monstrous about Hypsignathus monstrosus! Male hammer-headed bats are famous for their unusual faces, but to females there's nothing more attractive. Twice a year, males will gather in groups of up to 150; together they'll hang from a tree, flap their wings, and honk loudly to attract females. This gathering is known as a lek, and hammer-headed bats are the only known species of bats to perform for their mates in this manner.

Day 9 - WEBS

Bat wings

This one is from the pteropus genus, commonly known as flying foxes or fruit bats

Seychelles Flying Fox Pteropus seychellensis

A megabat found on the granitic islands of Seychelles, and on the Comoros and Mafia Island. It is a significant component of the ecosystems for the islands, dispersing the seeds of many tree species. Although it is hunted for meat on some islands, it remains abundant. It is particularly common on Silhouette Island.

Wild fruit bats gathering around their favourite roost inside the local Zoo. Photo credit: Eleanor Chua.