BLACK FLYING FOX
Pteropus alecto
DESCRIPTION
The Black Flying-fox is a large fruit bat with dark brown to black fur and broad leathery wings. It has a fox-like face, large eyes and pointed ears. Unlike smaller insect-eating bats, flying-foxes rely heavily on their excellent eyesight and sense of smell to find food.
QUICK FACTS
• Black Flying-foxes are among Australia’s largest bats.
• Their wingspan can reach around one metre.
• They can travel many kilometres at night searching for food.
• During the day they usually roost hanging upside down in trees.
• Flying-foxes are important pollinators of native forests.
• They also help forests regenerate by carrying pollen and dispersing seeds.
• Mothers carry their young with them when they are very small.
WHERE IT LIVES
Black Flying-foxes are found across northern and eastern Australia. They live in tropical forests, woodlands, mangroves and areas where flowering and fruiting trees provide food. During the day they gather in large communal roosts, often called camps.
WHAT IT EATS
Black Flying-foxes mainly feed on nectar, pollen and fruit. Native flowering trees such as eucalypts are particularly important food sources. As they travel between trees they help pollinate flowers and spread seeds.
PETE'S PHOTO STORY
Flying-foxes are fascinating animals to watch and photograph. I photographed this Black Flying-fox hanging upside down in a flowering tree, looking straight towards me from beside the trunk. The bright flowers and green leaves made a great contrast with its dark body and folded wings. It is easy to overlook how important these animals are, but every night they travel through the landscape helping pollinate the trees and keep the forests healthy.