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Ryukyu flying-fox Facts

Ryukyu flying-fox Facts
Ryukyu flying-fox belongs to the group of megabat, also known as fruit bats. There are 5 subspecies of Ryukyu flying-foxes that can be found on the Ryukyu Islands of Japan, in Taiwan and Philippines. Ryukyu flying-fox inhabits tropical and subtropical forests. Number of Ryukyu flying-foxes in the wild is decreasing due to habitat loss (as a result of deforestation and typhoons) and hunting (their meat is consumed as delicacy in some areas). Population of Ryukyu flying-fox in Taiwan is classified as endangered. In other parts of their range, Ryukyu flying-foxes are listed as near-threatened (they may become endangered in the near future).
Interesting Ryukyu flying-fox Facts:
Ryukyu flying-fox can reach 8 to 9 inches in length and 15.33 ounces of weight.
Ryukyu flying-fox is covered with long, silky fur that is usually brown or black colored. Neck and throat of some subspecies of Ryukyu flying-fox are covered with light-colored fur.
Ryukyu flying-fox has pointed muzzle, small pointed ears and large eyes just like fox, hence the name - flying-fox.
Ryukyu flying-fox has a wingspan of around 3 feet and it produces loud, flapping sounds during the flight.
Unlike other types of bats, Ryukyu flying-fox cannot use echolocation (ability of animal to produce sound and gets information about its environment based on the echo). Instead, Ryukyu flying fox relies on the vision and sense of hearing to navigate in the air.
Ryukyu flying-fox is nocturnal animal (active during the night).
Ryukyu flying-fox sleeps in the trees during the day.
Ryukyu flying-fox is an omnivore (it eats plants and meat). Its diet is based mostly on fruit (figs are its favorite type of food). It also eats flowers and leaves. Ryukyu flying-fox occasionally consumes insects.
Ryukyu flying-fox is also known as fruit bat, because of its specific diet. People persecute Ryukyu flying-fox in some areas to protect their crops (various commercially important types of fruit).
Even though it is known as pest in orchards, Ryukyu flying-fox plays important role in the pollination of flowers and in dispersal of seed both of the wild and commercially important plants. These features make Ryukyu flying-foxes beneficial for humans because they facilitate multiplication of plants that people use as a source of food, medicine and wood.
Ryukyu flying-fox usually lives in small groups. It often stays in a certain area entire life (rarely changes its location).
Mating season of Ryukyu flying-fox takes place from November to January. Most babies are born from May to June.
Pregnancy in females lasts 4 to 6 months and it ends with one baby.
Young Ryukyu flying-foxes are ready for the independent life at the age of 3 to 6 months. They start to reproduce between the first and second year of life.
Ryukyu flying-fox can survive 2 years in the captivity.


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