Blanford's fruit bat facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Blanford's fruit bat |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Sphaerias
|
| Species: |
blanfordi
|
 |
|
| Blanford's fruit bat range | |
| Synonyms | |
|
|
The Blanford's fruit bat (Sphaerias blanfordi) is a special kind of megabat that lives in mountains. You can find these bats in different countries across South and Southeast Asia. They are known for eating fruit, just like their name suggests!
Contents
Discovering the Blanford's Fruit Bat
Who Named This Bat?
The Blanford's fruit bat was first officially described in 1891. An English animal expert named Oldfield Thomas was the one who gave it its first scientific name. He placed it in a group of bats called Cynopterus.
Why the Name "Blanfordi"?
The bat's specific name, "blanfordi", honors another English naturalist. His name was William Thomas Blanford. It's a way to remember important people who study nature.
A New Home in the Bat Family
Later, in 1906, an American zoologist named Gerrit Smith Miller Jr. looked closely at this bat. He decided it was different enough to have its own special group, or genus. He created the new genus Sphaerias just for this bat. He noticed some unique features, like how its teeth were shaped.
Where Blanford's Fruit Bats Live
Their Mountain Homes
Blanford's fruit bats live in many countries across South and Southeast Asia. These include Bhutan, China, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Thailand, and Vietnam. In 2010, they were also found in Laos for the very first time!
High Up in the Mountains
These bats are true mountain dwellers. They have been found living at many different heights. Some live as low as 308 meters (about 1,010 feet) above sea level. Others live much higher, up to 2,710 meters (about 8,890 feet) high!
Protecting Blanford's Fruit Bats
Are They Safe?
Good news! As of 2021, the Blanford's fruit bat is listed as a "least-concern species" by the IUCN. This means experts believe they are not currently in danger of disappearing.
Why They Are Not in Danger
There are a few reasons why these bats are considered safe. They live in a very large area, which means there are likely many of them. Their population also seems to be stable, not shrinking quickly.
What Challenges Do They Face?
Experts don't see any major threats to these bats right now. However, when the bat was first found in Laos, it was being sold at a market. This shows that sometimes bats can be hunted for food. It's important to keep an eye on this to make sure their populations stay healthy.
