Most people are familiar with flying foxes even if they don’t know it. These impressive creatures are actually a type of fruit bat and they’re found all over the world in tropical and subtropical areas. While they may look a bit like a small fox they’re actually quite different and their flying abilities are what set them apart from other types of bats.
So where do flying foxes come from? Well they’re found in many different places but they’re native to Australia Africa and Asia. In Australia they’re found in the northern parts of the country while in Africa they’re found in the southern and eastern parts. Asia is a bit more tricky as they’re found in both the southern and eastern parts as well as the northern part of the continent.
One of the things that makes flying foxes so interesting is their size. Some species such as the Australian grey-headed flying fox are quite large with a wingspan of up to 1.5 meters (5 feet). The smallest species on the other hand is the Egyptian fruit bat which only has a wingspan of about 60 centimeters (2 feet).
Interestingly flying foxes are the only bats that are able to fly long distances. They’re able to do this because of their large wings which give them a lot of lift. This means that they can travel great distances in a single day which is something that other bats can’t do.
So there you have it! Now you know a bit more about flying foxes including where they come from and what makes them so special.
What is the scientific name for the flying fox?
Pteropus
What are flying foxes mostly found in?
Asia Australia Africa and some Pacific Islands
Which flying foxes are the largest?
The ones found in Australia
What do flying foxes eat?
Fruits flowers and leaves
How do flying foxes fly?
They use their thumb claw to hook onto branches and pull themselves along
How big are flying foxes?
Their wingspans range from 1.
5 to 1.
8 meters
What is the lifespan of a flying fox?
Up to 20 years in the wild and up to 30 years in captivity
What is the Red List status of the flying fox?
Vulnerable
How many species of flying fox are there?
66
Do flying foxes make good pets?
No they are wild animals and should not be kept as pets
What is the natural predator of the flying fox?
Eagles pythons and cassowaries
What is the main threat to flying foxes?
Human activity including habitat loss and hunting
Are flying foxes endangered?
Some species are endangered while others are not
What can flying foxes carry?
They can carry various diseases including Hendra virus and Australian bat lyssavirus
How can you tell a male flying fox from a female flying fox?
Male flying foxes have a penis and testes while female flying foxes have a vagina and ovaries.
