Rodrigues fruit bat
Status
Endangered
Classification
Mammal
Exhibit
Rare Animal Conservation Center
Saved From Extinction
In the 1970s, the world population of Rodrigues fruit bats dropped to less than 100. Today, the species is recovering with more than 20,000 individuals, thanks in part to Philadelphia Zoo's work with The Rodrigues Environmental Educator Project.
Living Together
Rodrigues fruit bats are very social, and live in large colonies in the forest on the island of Rodrigues. At twilight, they leave the trees to feed. They eat figs, guavas, bananas and other ripe fruits. At dawn, they return to the trees to rest. Unlike most bat species, they do not use echolocation, but use their eyesight and sense of smell to travel and to search for food.