Some people find bats to be terrifying, while others see them as beautiful creatures and appreciate them for how much they contribute to their natural surroundings. But no matter how you feel about bats, you’ve surely heard of flying foxes, which are a prime example of the largest group of bats in the world: The megabats.
So, just how hefty can the largest megabats get? Today we’ll take a look at 10 of the largest bats in the world and rank them according to how much they weigh. We’ll also learn some cool facts about each fascinating creature!
Fijian monkey-faced bat – (Mirimiri acrodonta)
As the name would suggest, this species of bat is endemic to Fiji–in fact, it’s the only mammalian species that is endemic to the island! This bat’s appearance is unusually striking as a result of its bright coat, alert facial features, and fiery eyes. Its coat is quite lush, and it is sometimes thick enough to hide the bat’s ears from view!
Lyle’s flying fox – (Pteropus lylei)
This endearing-looking megabat lives pri, and Thailand, but is sometimes found in China’s Yunnan province as well. Its numbers are low as a result of farmers killing them, which they sometimes do for food. These nocturnal bats are highly social, living in colonies and roosting together during the daytime.
Straw-coloured fruit bat – (Eidolon helvum)
Named for its prominent ruff of yellow fur, the Straw-colored fruit bat is the most widespread out of all species of megabat that live in Africa. Continue reading “Wahlberg’s epauletted fruit bat – (Epomophorus wahlbergi)”
