Fauna
Mammal

Variable Flying-fox

Pteropus hypomelanus

Also known as Small Flying-fox, Island Flying-fox

The Variable Flying-fox is a medium-to-large fruit bat with a foxlike face and a coat that varies across its broad island range. It roosts communally in trees by day and travels at night to feed in flowering and fruiting canopies.

Fruit BatColonial RoosterNight Pollinator
Variable Flying-fox reference1 / 3
(c) Pavel Kirillov, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · cc-by-sa
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Near ThreatenedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNear ThreatenedRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyFruit pulp and juice, nectar, pollen, and flowers
Predators
  • Large raptors
  • Pythons
  • Humans
ThreatsRoost destruction, hunting, persecution at crops, storms, and forest loss
HabitatsCoastal forest, mangroves, lowland rainforest, islands, plantations, and gardens
Life spanOften 10 to 20 years, with longevity varying in the wild
Classification
  1. FamilyPteropodidae
  2. SpeciesPteropus hypomelanus
Range & activity
Native
Safe observation
Interaction riskModerate
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is moderate
Never handle bats; bites and scratches require prompt medical advice.
Why it is dangerous
Bats can carry zoonotic pathogens and may bite or scratch when frightened or restrained.
How to recognize a risky encounter
A large tailless bat with a foxlike muzzle, prominent eyes, and variable mantle color.
What to do
Never touch a grounded or injured bat; isolate the area and call trained wildlife authorities.
Responsible observation
  • Roosts: Watch from well outside the colony and keep voices low.
  • Grounded bat: Keep people and pets away and contact trained wildlife responders.
Related species

Related species have not been added yet.

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