Egyptian Fruit Bat
It plays a crucial role in the reproduction of fruit-trees
Like all flying mammals, the Egyptian Fruit Bat is very light: hardly 160 grams for a size of 15 cm and a wingspan that can reach 60 cm. It lives in North Africa and the Nile Valley.
This little bat has a long nose, pointed ears and black eyes. With its very soft fur and a diet that consists of fruit and flower-nectar this bat does not remind of a vampire at all!
By plunging its nose to the bottom of the flowers, the Fruit Bat covers itself with pollen and disseminates it by flying from tree to tree, thus playing a crucial role in the reproduction of fruit-trees and therefore in the preservation of its ecosystem.
To sleep, the Fruit Bats gather by the hundreds, hanging from the branches, upside down. Thus, they protect themselves from predators and from the cold of the night.
Dozens of Egyptian Fruit Bats
Find dozens of Egyptian Fruit Bats in our “Jardin des Mondes”.
A less threatened species
- Name: Egyptian Fruit Bat
- Latin name: Rousettus aegyptiacus
- Origin: North-East Africa
- IUCN status: Least concerned
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