Sulawesi rousette facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Sulawesi rousette |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Pilonycteris
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| Species: |
celebensis
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| Sulawesi rousette range | |
| Synonyms | |
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Rousettus celebensis |
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The Sulawesi rousette or Sulawesi fruit bat (Pilonycteris celebensis) is a special type of bat. It's a megabat, which means it's one of the larger kinds of bats. This bat lives only on Sulawesi island in Indonesia. It's the only known member of its unique group, called Pilonycteris.
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What is the Sulawesi Rousette?
The Sulawesi rousette is a kind of fruit bat. It belongs to the Pteropodidae family. These bats are known for eating fruit. They are very important for their environment.
Where Does the Sulawesi Rousette Live?
This bat is found only on the island of Sulawesi. Sulawesi is a large island in Indonesia. This means it is endemic to that island. You won't find it living naturally anywhere else in the world.
How Scientists Classify the Sulawesi Rousette
Scientists group living things based on how they are related. The Sulawesi rousette was once placed in a group called Rousettus. But in 2021, new studies changed this.
Why Did Its Classification Change?
A special study looked closely at the bat's family tree. This study found that the Sulawesi rousette was unique. It was different enough to need its own special group. So, scientists created a new genus just for it. This new group is called Pilonycteris.
Is It the Only One in Its Group?
For now, the Sulawesi rousette is the only known member of Pilonycteris. However, scientists are still studying other bats. Another bat, the Linduan rousette, might also join this group in the future.
What Does the Sulawesi Rousette Look Like?
The Sulawesi rousette has some interesting features. These help it live in its environment.
Body Features
Its lower leg, called the tibia, is covered in thick fur. This might help keep it warm or protect it. The small flap of cartilage in its ear, called the antitragal lobe, is quite small.
Head Shape
The bony arch of its cheek is narrow. It also has a triangular shape. These features help scientists identify this specific bat.
What Does the Sulawesi Rousette Eat?
The Sulawesi rousette is a fruit-eating bat. This means its main diet is fruit. It plays a big role in its ecosystem.
Eating Habits
This bat has large wings. These strong wings allow it to carry heavy loads of fruit. It can fly with a lot of food. What's special is that it eats large seeds. Most other fruit bats prefer smaller seeds.
How It Helps Plants Grow
Because it eats large seeds, the Sulawesi rousette is a great seed disperser. When it eats fruit, it later drops the seeds. This helps new plants grow in different places. It's like a gardener for the forest!
Unique Digestion
The Sulawesi rousette has a special digestive system. This system helps it digest certain seeds. It can even digest the tough outer coats of some seeds. This unique ability helps it get nutrients from its unusual diet.
