The Comoro Black Flying Fox
In Australia/New Zealand/ Oceania
Description
Characteristics
- Can grow up to 30 cm in length.
- Average wingspan is 1.4 meters.
- Weighs around 500-800 grams.
Features
- Does not use echolocation.
- Uses the typical mammalian hearing.
- Primarily nocturnal.
- Social structure is based on dominance.
- Marks territory by rubbing branches with scents.
Habitat
Shelter
- Roosts are located above 200 meters on Moheli and above 500 meters on Anjouan.
- Most are found on southeast slopes that have sun shining on them in the morning and are shaded from noon to afternoon.
- Often, there will be rivers flowing through the valleys near the roosts.
- Live close to a primary tropical moist forest.
Food Chain
Food Habits
- Is a vegetarian.
- Feeds primarily on fruit juices.
- Squeeze the fruits until pulp comes out.
- Then swallows the juice and spits the pulp and seeds out.
- Also eats native tree fruits and the flowers of native plants.
Predators
- Humans (deforestation, destruction of habitats, etc.).
- Is low on the food chain.
- However, plays an important role as a pollinator and seed disperser.
(LFFFF)
Adaptations
Senses Adaptations
- Has developed good eyesight and an amazing sense of smell.
- Has adapted so that they have learned how to use their eyesight and ability to smell to find food quickly and sense intruders.
- Able to see clearly during nighttime.
(LFFFF)
Critical Information/ Endangerment
Endangerment
- Decreasing rapidly in population due to extensive deforestation.
- Population declining at 5.6% per year.
- Cyclones also take part in destroying the homes of the Foxes.
Recovery Plan
- Establishment of captive breeding has been put into action as an act of conservation for these species.
- Protected by Action Comores International and Active Comores Anjouan.
Critical Info - Where do you come in?
How can people help save this amazing creature? Organizations like the Action Comores International and Active Comores Anjoan are there to help, and people can also donate to the IUCN Red List of Endangered Animals. They can also slow down forestation by recycling paper and reusing tree products.
(LFFFF)
Giant Fruit Bats (Flying Fox) eating the fruits
More Endangered Animals
The Tasmanian Tiger: https://www.smore.com/gjy5-the-tasmanian-tiger