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The giant fruit bat roosts in large colonies, up to 1,000 individuals, during the day. Just after sunset, it heads out to forage for ripe fruits such as figs and mangos and blooming flowers. As the bat feeds and flies throughout the forest, it pollinates and disperses seeds, helping to regenerate plant growth in the ecosystem.

Giant fruit bat with one wing open

Did You Know?

Sniffing on the Wing: The giant fruit bat relies on its keen sense of smell for locating food.

Quick Facts

Latin Name:
Pteropus giganteus

Range:
Southern Asia

Habitat:
Tropical forest and wetland

Length:
Up to 1 ft

Lifespan:
15 to 31 yrs

Zoo Location:
Night Hunters

Diet:
Primarily fruit and flowers (juice & nectar), some insects