The little red flying fox, pteropus scapulatus, is not related to foxes at all (even the bat-eared fox). They are bats that measure 12.5 to 20 centimeters (125 to 200 millimeters), and weigh about 10 to 21 ounces (280 to 600 grams). They also have a wingspan that measures around 3 to 4 feet from wingtip to wingtip. A little red flying fox is, as the name implies, primarily red in color with a grey head and reddish-brown wings. Their wings seem to be semi-translucent while in flight. In addition to flying, these bats can climb trees and move through branches with great agility. Unlike most bats (including the common vampire bat which has fairly good eyesight compared to most bats), the little red flying fox has both an excellent sense of smell and sight.
The little red flying fox can mainly be found in northern Australia, but can also be found farther down south. They will inhabit many different areas such as woodlands, paperbark swamps, mangroves, bamboo thickets and eucalypt forests (which seem to be their favorite places to live). A little red flying fox will roost within the trees of whatever environment it is currently residing. They will roost in groups called ‘˜camps’, which may contain as many as 1 million individuals. They are a nomadic species, which means that they follow their food source through every season.
The diet of a little red flying fox consists primarily of nectar and pollen from eucalyptus blossoms. They will also eat insects, fruit, bark, sap, growing shoots and flowers. They use their excellent senses of sight and smell to locate their food. Their tongues have evolved to be similar to those of nectar feeding-birds, making it a simple task to get at the nectar found within the flowers it follows. When searching for something to eat, a little red flying fox may travel up to 50 miles (80 kilometers) a night, visiting different trees in the process.
Breeding season for the little red flying fox takes place from November to January. Males will establish both a territory and harem of 2 to 5 females that they will defend from other males. After mating has taken place, the females will form an all-female group and stay together until they give birth. After a gestation period of about 5 months, a female will give birth to a single offspring. The mother will carry its young during flight for the first 4 to 6 six weeks and then leave them at the roost while they forage at night. The little bats will begin to fly and move between the trees through the camp at 2 months of age. They will suckle for several more months and live a semi-independent life while learning how to find their own food.
The little red flying fox is relatively common, but it faces threats nonetheless. Their greatest problem is the loss of trees, which is both a home and food source for them. Many are also caught in barbed wire fences, dying swiftly if not rescued by humans. Hopefully, something can be done to help the little red flying fox overcome their obstacles. After all, such a unique species of bat deserves to live and prosper far into the future.
Works Cited
“Little Red Flying Fox (Pteropus Scapulatus)” 3 June 2011
“Little Red Flying Fox” 3 June 2011
“Little Red Flying Fox” 3 June 2011
“Little Red Flying Fox” 3 June 2011
