The Mariana Flying FoxDid you know that the flying fox is not a fox at all! It is actually a bat!
Population: Endangered: only 300-400 left Common name: Flying Fox Scientific name: Pteropus Mariannus The flying fox lives in Guam and the Mariana Islands, where it is warm and tropical along the coastline. A flying fox spends its time in lowland rainforests and mangroves. They like to live by water, but spend their time nesting in tall trees and, of course, in caves! They like to live with tons of other flying foxes in a group called a ROOST. |
The flying fox is an ominvore. They love to eat flowers, especially with big blossoms! They also eat small insects. They enjoy eating nectar and fruit, as well as some leaves of local plants, especially the fig and eucalyptus plants.
The bats have to hide so they can protect themselves from predators like the brown tree snake, which was brought to the islands illegally.
Why is it endangered?
The Mariana Flying Fox is a tasty delicacy in those islands. People kill the bats for food. Tourists who travel there also want to try the bat for food. Additionally, some bats are struggling to eat enough food because deer and other animals eat so many of the plants -- there just isn't enough for everyone.
The bats have to hide so they can protect themselves from predators like the brown tree snake, which was brought to the islands illegally.
Why is it endangered?
The Mariana Flying Fox is a tasty delicacy in those islands. People kill the bats for food. Tourists who travel there also want to try the bat for food. Additionally, some bats are struggling to eat enough food because deer and other animals eat so many of the plants -- there just isn't enough for everyone.
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