Old World Fruit Bats
Old World Fruit Bats
Pteropodidae
The Flying Gardeners of the Tropics: Old World Fruit Bats (Pteropodidae), also known as flying foxes or megabats, are vital pollinators and seed dispersers in tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, Asia, Australia, and various islands of the Pacific and Indian Oceans. Unlike many other bats, they rely primarily on vision and smell rather than echolocation to navigate and find food. There are over 190 species of Old World Fruit Bats, ranging from the tiny Long-tongued Nectar Bat (Macroglossus minimus) to the impressive Giant Golden-crowned Flying Fox (Acerodon jubatus), which can have a wingspan of up to 1.7 m (5.6 ft). They are easily recognized by their large eyes, fox-like faces, and long, narrow wings suited for sustained flight over long distances. Old World Fruit Bats primarily feed on fruit, nectar, and flowers, playing a crucial ecological role by pollinating plants and dispersing seeds over wide areas. Species like the Straw-coloured Fruit Bat (Eidolon helvum) can travel tens of kilometers in a single night in search of food, helping maintain the health and diversity of tropical forests. Most species roost in large colonies, often in trees or caves, and can number in the thousands. They are mostly nocturnal, although some species may also be active during the day. Their social behavior includes grooming, vocal communication, and establishing strong bonds within colonies. Despite their importance to ecosystems, Old World Fruit Bats face threats from habitat loss, hunting, and persecution due to misconceptions about disease transmission or crop damage.