The Ryukyu flying fox is the largest bat found throughout the Ryukyu Islands. This large bat often startles people on night walks. No need to worry, it is not a threat to humans. This large fruit bat feeds on fruit, seeds and nectar. It is currently listed as vulnerable on the IUCN list of Threatened species.
- Scientific name: Pteropus dasymallus
- Common name: Ryukyu flying fox and fruit bat
- Distribution: Ryukyu Islands
- Habitat: Dense forests and neighborhood parks
- Diet: Fruit, seeds and nectar
- Average size: 300-350mm
- Color: Brown and orange
These large fruit bats are nocturnal and feed during the night.
Ryukyu flying fox
Ryukyu flying fox
Ryukyu flying fox in flight
They can also be found during the day hiding high up in trees.
Ryukyu flying fox
Fruitbat in Ryukyu pine tree
On rare occasions, they can be found feeding on the cherry blossoms in daylight.
Ryukyu flying fox
Ryukyu flying fox feeding on cherry blossoms
A mother and young found in a secluded part of the Yanbaru forest.
Ryukyu flying fox feeding
My Mission: To Document and Preserve the Wildlife of the Ryukyu Islands
This site is also designed to help people identify the beautiful animals of Okinawa, basically to serve as an online nature reference guide. If you would like to make a contribution to support my mission, please click on the donation link paypal.me/maketheswitch4nature
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