Madagascan flying fox Madagascan flying fox The Madagascan flying fox, Madagascar flying-fox, or Madagascar fruit bat ("Pteropus rufus") is a species of megabat in the genus "Pteropus". It is endemic to Madagascar. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests. It is threatened by habitat loss. It eats figs and other fruits, flowers, and leaves. This is the largest bat in Madagascar, with a body length of 23.5–27 cm (9.1–10.5 in), a wingspan of 100–125 cm (39–49 in), and a body weight of 500–750 g (1.1-1.65 lb). The Madagascan flying fox roosts during the day in large trees in colonies of
Insular flying fox and plantations. Like most species of bat, this flying fox is nocturnal and roosts in colonies high in the canopy. These bats favor lowland native forests, cliffs, islets, and swampy areas. The females give birth to a single offspring each year although occasionally twins are born. Insular flying foxes are frugivores and eat pollen and nectar. They are important pollinators of "Ceiba pentandra" and perhaps other species. The IUCN rates the insular flying fox as being of "Least Concern" because it has a wide range and presumed large population. It is hunted for food on some islands and it is