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Little Red Flying-fox

Pteropus scapulatus

Description:

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.

Habitat:

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.

Notes:

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.

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14 Comments

Steve A
Steve A 11 years ago

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 :-)

CindyCor
CindyCor 11 years ago

Great expression Steve...very nice

Steve A
Steve A 11 years ago

@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

KarenL
KarenL 11 years ago

Congratulations Steve, this adorable bat is featured in the Project Noah blog today http://blog.projectnoah.org/post/3470520...

Steve A
Steve A 11 years ago

@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!

Xinxin
Xinxin 11 years ago

lovely photo - looks like it was a surprise encounter for both of you..

KarenL
KarenL 11 years ago

Very cute!

Steve A
Steve A 12 years ago

@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.

animaisfotos
animaisfotos 12 years ago

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.

Steffi
Steffi 12 years ago

This is so great! What an expressive face!

Steve A
Steve A 12 years ago

Thanks John, I volunteer with bats, so to me it would be weird to see a bat face "upright".

JohnMatzick
JohnMatzick 12 years ago

Like how you left his orientation in a natural position. Great photo!

Ariana
Ariana 12 years ago

Awesome! Great description too!

Steve A
Spotted by
Steve A

Queensland, Australia

Spotted on Oct 24, 2009
Submitted on Jul 3, 2011

Spotted for Mission

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