Rodrigues Flying Fox
Pteropus rodricensis
EN Endangered (2016)
The Rodrigues Flying Fox (Pteropus rodricensis), also known as the Rodrigues Fruit Bat, is a species of megabat (family Pteropodidae) endemic to the island of Rodrigues in the Indian Ocean. It is listed as Endangered due to habitat loss and hunting. This bat was historically believed to inhabit the main island of Mauritius. Sub-fossil bones discovered on Round Island (Mauritius) were attributed to P. rodricensis. This specimen, however, may be a vagrant from Rodrigues. Molecular studies suggest that the Rodrigues Flying Fox's closest relative is the Large Flying Fox (Pteropus vampyrus) from Southeast Asia. This species is monotypic.
Data sheet
| Taxonomy | |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Animalia (Animals) |
| Phylum | Chordata (Chordates) |
| Class | Mammalia (Mammals) |
| Order | Chiroptera (Bats) |
| Family | Pteropodidae (Megabats or Fruit Bats) |
| Type specimen | Pteropus rodricensis Dobson, 1878 |
| Type locality | Rodrigues (Mauritius), Mascarene Islands |
| Translations | |
|---|---|
| Dutch | Rodriguesvleerhond, Rodrigues vliegende hond |
| French | Roussette de Rodrigues |
| German | Rodrigues-Flughund |
| Spanish | Zorro volador de Rodrigues |
| Measurements | |
|---|---|
| Head-body lenght | 15–20 cm |
| Tail lenght | tailless |
| Forarm lenght | 12.1–12.8 cm |
| Wingspan | 50–90 cm |
| Weight | c. 278 g |
| Geographic Range | |
|---|---|
| Extant (Resident) | Rodrigues (Mauritius), Mascarene Islands |
| Habitat |
|---|
| 1.6. Subtropical/Tropical Moist Lowland Forest |
| 14.3. Plantations |
| 14.4. Rural Gardens |
Portfolio
Below are some photos from my personal collection. All rights reserved. If you would like to use any of these photos, please contact me first.
Bibliography
Burgin et al. (2020). Illustrated Checklist of the Mammals of the World. Volume 1. Lynx Edicions, Barcelona
Lynx Nature Books. (2023). All the Mammals of the World. Barcelona.
Websites: IUCN Redlist; iNaturalist; Animal Diversity Web (ADW)
Image credits
Header image: Mark Sikking / FotoZoo
Map: IUCN Redlist
Portfolio: Mark Sikking / FotoZoo