Rennell flying fox facts for kids
The Rennell flying fox (Pteropus rennelli) is a special type of flying fox that lives only on Rennell Island in the Solomon Islands. It's a very rare animal, and sadly, it's an endangered species, meaning it's at high risk of disappearing forever.
Quick facts for kids Rennell flying fox |
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Pteropus
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rennelli
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Contents
What is the Rennell Flying Fox?
How Was This Bat Discovered?
The Rennell flying fox was first officially described as a new species in 1929. An Australian scientist named Ellis Le Geyt Troughton was the one who gave it its scientific name.
Why Is It Called "Rennell" Flying Fox?
The name "rennelli" comes from Rennell Island. This is the only place where these bats are known to live. The very first Rennell flying fox ever studied was found on this island.
What Does the Rennell Flying Fox Look Like?
This flying fox has brownish fur on its back. The fur on its neck and face is a bit lighter in color. The forearm of the first bat ever studied was about 121 millimeters (or 4.8 inches) long.
Life Cycle and Habits
How Do Rennell Flying Foxes Live?
The Rennell flying fox is a nocturnal animal. This means it is active at night, flying around to find food. During the day, it rests and sleeps in safe, sheltered spots, usually in trees. Unlike some other bats, these flying foxes tend to roost by themselves instead of in big groups.
What About Their Reproduction?
Female Rennell flying foxes usually give birth to just one baby at a time. A baby bat is called a "pup." Scientists estimate that these bats can live for about eight to nine years.
Where Do Rennell Flying Foxes Live?
Their Only Home: Rennell Island
The Rennell flying fox is only found on Rennell Island. This island is part of the Solomon Islands, a country in the Pacific Ocean. Because they live in such a small area, they are very special and also very vulnerable.
Protecting the Rennell Flying Fox
Why Is This Bat Endangered?
For a long time, only one Rennell flying fox was known to scientists. Then, in 1958, two more were found. Today, the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) lists this species as endangered. This means it faces a very high risk of extinction.
What Are the Biggest Threats?
One major threat to the Rennell flying fox is overhunting. People sometimes hunt these bats, which can quickly reduce their numbers because there are so few of them to begin with.
Another big danger is natural disasters. Since all Rennell flying foxes live on just one island, a single strong cyclone or other natural event could wipe out the entire species. This makes protecting their habitat and stopping overhunting even more important.
