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Pteropus scapulatus
This is the smallest Flying Fox in mainland Australia, weighing only 300–600 grams (11–21 oz). Generally one colour, most are a reddish-brown although there can be significant variations in colour from light brown through to a deep red.
The most widespread and numerous of all the Australian Flying-foxes. they are less likely to be found in urban or semi-urban locations (unlike their larger cousins). Their range covers a large proportion of the Eastern states, across the North, and in a strip down the North-west coast.
This individual was in care at the Tolga bat hospital in North Queensland. www.tolgabathopital.org. They do great work up there and you should visit if you ever get the chance.
14 Comments
Thanks CindyCor, Little Red Flying-foxes are a bit skittish, so this one was keeping a very close eye on me, just in case it had to bolt for safety :-)
Great expression Steve...very nice
@KarenL Thanks - It is a great Blog article and very timely. The Qld Government (where this photo was taken) has re-introduced shooting bats to "protect crops" - as incredible as that sounds. This coming weekend (Nov 2 2012) there will be protest events opposing this. You can see details at www.thegreycross.org and www.dontshootbats.com
Congratulations Steve, this adorable bat is featured in the Project Noah blog today http://blog.projectnoah.org/post/3470520...
@Xinxin, my job was to clean the cages for these bats being rehabilitated: But this guy was a bit surprised by the camera this time!
lovely photo - looks like it was a surprise encounter for both of you..
Very cute!
@animalsfotos & Monkeymind - Flying-foxes are known to be intelligent creatures. I believe they want to know how we are capable of thinking if all the blood rushes to our feet.
lots of strong venous valves - i suppose.
Its always disturbing to see them hanging from the ceiling. At least for me. It always made me wonder how do they manage to keep the blood from flooding he brain... Thanks for sharing.
This is so great! What an expressive face!
Thanks John, I volunteer with bats, so to me it would be weird to see a bat face "upright".
Like how you left his orientation in a natural position. Great photo!
Awesome! Great description too!