Red flying fox
| Red flying fox | ||||||||||||
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Red flying fox ( Pteropus rufus ) |
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| Pteropus rufus | ||||||||||||
| É. Geoffroy , 1803 |
The red flying fox ( Pteropus rufus ) is a species of flying fox found in Madagascar . The second German common name, which is sometimes used, Madagascar flying fox , can be confusing, as two other flying foxes, Eidolon dupreanum and Rousettus madagascariensis, are endemic to the island.
features
The red fruit bat is the largest representative of the fruit bats in Madagascar. It reaches a head-body length of 23.5 to 27 cm and a wingspan of 100 to 125 cm. The base of the tail is not visible from the outside and the weight is 500 to 750 grams. The long snout and the large ears, which give the head a dog or fox-like appearance, are striking . The fur has a dark brown color on the upper side and a golden to red-brown color on the belly side.
Distribution and habitat
The species colonizes Madagascar almost completely. It is only absent near large settlements and in the central areas of the island. The resting places are mostly in small groups of trees, in higher forests or in mangrove forests .
Way of life
The individual specimens form large groups with sometimes more than 1,000 animals, which rest in tall trees during the day. From time to time they open their flight membrane to regulate temperature. If an enemy approaches the group, it flies to a safe place after a warning call. Foraging generally takes place at night. In addition, the fruit bats usually fly longer than 17 km and a maximum of 35 km. On these short hikes, the group often splits up into smaller units. The excellent eyesight and, to a lesser extent, echolocation serve as a guide .
Fruits are the main part of the diet. Nectar , flowers, pollen and small amounts of leaves are also eaten. The red flying fox is important for pollinating various types of plants.
Between April and May the dominant males establish a territory where they mate with the females. The females give birth to one or rarely two pups in October.
Danger
The species is a common game animals for Malagasy hunters. The fruit bat is mainly hunted for its meat. Although legal hunting is limited to May through August, poaching is likely to occur in the remaining months. Plantation owners regard the fruit bat as a pest and kill individual specimens or cut down suitable resting trees. The IUCN therefore lists the red flying fox as endangered ( vulnerable ).
The only European owner is a zoo in the UK.
Individual evidence
- ^ W. Puschmann, Zootiere , Harri Deutsch Verlag, Frankfurt am Main, ISBN 978-3-8171-1817-5 , p. 89 Google books
- ↑ a b c d e Richard KB Jenkins: Madagascan flying fox ( engl. ) ARKive.org. 2008. Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. Info: The archive link was inserted automatically and has not yet been checked. Please check the original and archive link according to the instructions and then remove this notice. Retrieved November 13, 2012.
- ↑ a b c d Pteropus rufus in the endangered Red List species the IUCN 2012. Posted by: Andriafidison, D. et al, 2008. Accessed November 13, 2012th.
- ↑ [1] 16.6
