Greater musky fruit bat facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Greater musky fruit bat |
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| Conservation status | |
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Ptenochirus
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| Species: |
jagori
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| Greater musky fruit bat range | |
The greater musky fruit bat (Ptenochirus jagori) is a type of large bat. It belongs to a group called megabats. This special bat lives only in the Philippines. It was named by a scientist named Peters after Fedor Jagor.
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How Scientists Named This Bat
A German scientist named Wilhelm Peters first described this bat in 1861. He gave it its scientific name. The first bat specimen was found in the Albay province of the Philippines. The bat's species name, jagori, honors Fedor Jagor. He was the person who collected that very first bat specimen.
What Does This Bat Look Like?
The greater musky fruit bat has a face that looks a bit like a dog's. It has a short snout and big eyes. Its nostrils are shaped like small tubes. The bat's ears are small and pointy at the ends.
Colors and Hair
Its head and back are both brown. The head is a darker brown than its back. Each hair on its body has two colors. The part of the hair closest to its skin is lighter than the tip.
Teeth and Size
This bat has 28 teeth in total. Its teeth are arranged in a special way: 2 incisors, 1 canine, 3 premolars, and 1 molar on the top jaw. On the bottom jaw, it has 1 incisor, 1 canine, 3 premolars, and 2 molars.
From its head to its body, the bat is about 12.5 to 13.1 centimeters (5 inches) long. Its tail is very short, only about 1.1 centimeters (0.4 inches) long. The forearm, which is part of its wing, is about 8.6 to 8.7 centimeters (3.4 inches) long. Its ear is about 1.7 to 1.8 centimeters (0.7 inches) long, and its foot is about 2.1 centimeters (0.8 inches) long.
Bat Habits and What It Eats
Unlike some bats that live in huge groups, the greater musky fruit bat often lives alone. Sometimes, you might find them in small groups. They like to rest or "roost" on the sides of cliffs inside shallow caves.
What's on the Menu?
This bat is a frugivore, which means it loves to eat fruit! One of its favorite foods is the fruit from plants like the Ceiba pentandra tree.
Where Does This Bat Live?
This bat is found only in the Philippines. This means it is endemic to these islands. It can live in many different places, from sea level up to about 1,950 meters (6,400 feet) high in the mountains.
How We Protect This Bat
As of 2021, scientists say the greater musky fruit bat is a least-concern species. This is good news! It means they are not worried about this bat disappearing.
Why It's Not in Danger
The bat is considered common and lives in many places. It can also handle some changes to its home caused by people. This bat can even live in cities! Because of this, its population seems to be staying strong and healthy.
