Giant golden-crowned flying fox
The
Giant golden-crowned flying fox (
Acerodon jubatus, also known as the
Golden-capped fruit bat) is a rare
fruit bat species facing the danger of extinction from
poachers and food hunters. It is said to be the largest
bat in the world that can be found only in the
Philippines. They are commonly found in the
caves and
rainforest of
Maitum, Sarangani, Philippines.
This
nocturnal flying
mammal has a wing span of at least 5 feet and weighs approximately 1,2 kilograms or 3 pounds. It is active at night and can fly long distance up to 40 kilometers hunting for food preying mainly on
fruits. Its favorite food is the ripe
fig.
The local government of
Maitum, Sarangani, Philippines has organized a campaign to save this rare species from extinction which are known to roost in thousands before its decline due to destruction of habitat and reckless hunting.
External links
\n*ITIS Entry for Acerodon jubatus\n*
Image of Acerodon jubatus
