Admiralty flying fox facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Admiralty flying fox |
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| Conservation status | |
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Pteropus
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| Species: |
admiralitatum
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| Admiralty flying fox range | |
The Admiralty flying fox (Pteropus admiralitatum) is a type of fruit bat. It belongs to the family Pteropodidae, which are also called megabats. You can find this bat in Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands.
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About the Admiralty Flying Fox
What is a Flying Fox?
Flying foxes are a kind of bat that mostly eats fruit and nectar. They are often called "megabats" because they are usually larger than other bat species. Unlike some bats, flying foxes do not use echolocation to find their way around. Instead, they rely on their excellent eyesight and sense of smell.
How Was It Discovered?
The Admiralty flying fox was first described by a British zoologist named Oldfield Thomas. He did this in 1894. His description was based on bats collected during the "Challenger" Expedition in 1875. This expedition was a big scientific trip around the world.
Why the Name "Admiralty"?
The bat's scientific name, admiralitatum, comes from the Admiralty Islands. This is where the species was first found and recorded. It's like naming a new discovery after the place it came from.
Is It Just One Species?
Scientists think the Admiralty flying fox might actually be a group of three different species. One species might live in the Admiralty Islands and parts of the Solomon Islands. Another could be found in other parts of the Solomon Islands. A third possible species might live on Mussau Island and Emirau Island. More research is needed to confirm this.
What Does It Look Like?
The Admiralty flying fox looks a lot like the small flying fox, but it is a bit smaller. You can tell it apart by its very small ears. Also, its chest and belly are the same color.
Color and Size
- The top of its head is a light gray color.
- The back of its neck is a reddish-brown.
- Its back fur is brown, with some white hairs mixed in.
- From head to body, it measures about 180 millimeters (about 7 inches).
- Its forearm, which is part of its wing, is about 121 millimeters (about 4.8 inches) long.
- Its ears are quite small, only about 17.5 millimeters (about 0.7 inches) long.
Where Does It Live?
This bat lives in several countries in a region called Oceania. You can find it in the Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea. It likes to live in places where it can find plenty of fruit to eat.
Is It Endangered?
The IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) says the Admiralty flying fox is a "least concern" species. This is the lowest level of worry for a species.
Why Is It Not a Big Concern?
- It lives in a very large area.
- Scientists believe there are many of these bats.
- Its numbers are not dropping quickly.
What Threats Does It Face?
Even though it's not highly threatened, there are some issues.
- Deforestation: Losing forests means losing their homes and food sources.
- Bushmeat: Sometimes, these bats are hunted for food.
However, these problems are not big enough to make the species endangered right now.
