Have you ever heard of giant golden-crowned bats? These fascinating creatures have recently caught the attention of both nature enthusiasts and scared onlookers. With their impressive wingspan and vampire-like appearance, they have become the subject of viral images. But fear not, despite their intimidating size, they are harmless and endangered.
To clarify, while some referred to them as “human-sized,” that is a bit of an exaggeration. These bats have a wingspan of about 5-foot-6, which is approximately the height of a small child. Their actual size ranges from seven inches to 11.4 inches, and they weigh less than 3 pounds. So, while they may appear large when in flight, they are not as enormous as initially described.
Found exclusively in the jungles of the Philippines, the golden-crowned flying fox is an herbivore that feeds on fruits, vegetables, and roots. It is a sight to behold as it roosts during the day, hanging from its clawed toes in the treetops. These bats can often be seen in large colonies of up to 10,000 members, sometimes even sharing their sleeping quarters with smaller bats.
Unlike many other bats, the giant golden-crowned flying fox does not rely on echolocation. Instead, it uses its excellent sight and smell to navigate the skies. These intelligent creatures play a crucial role in forest ecosystems by redistributing fig seeds, contributing to reforestation across the Philippines.
Unfortunately, the more these bats work to benefit their environment, the more humans destroy it. Deforestation and hunting for various purposes, such as sale, sport, and consumption, have led to a rapid decline in the golden-crowned bat population. Between 1986 and 2016, their numbers dropped by 50 percent. As a result, they have been listed as an endangered species.
Despite being protected under the Philippine Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act, the bats are still killed on a large scale. Hunters target them while they are roosting, often causing unnecessary suffering. The enforcement of wildlife protection laws leaves a lot to be desired, and as a result, these innocent creatures continue to lose their lives.
Interestingly, these bats are highly intelligent and have a remarkable capacity to learn and remember. In a study on operant conditioning, hand-raised flying-fox bats were trained to pull levers for a reward. Even years later, when brought back to the same experimental chamber, they immediately remembered how to operate the levers for a reward.
It is crucial to note that only a small fraction of bat species, three out of 1,300 to be exact, feed on blood. Bats, including the golden-crowned flying fox, are not the bloodthirsty creatures they are often portrayed to be. Their unique appearance might be unsettling to some, but once you look past that, you’ll find these bats to be quite adorable.
It is heartbreaking to witness these innocent and intelligent animals being killed and losing their homes due to deforestation. If you feel the same way, please share their story and help raise awareness about this endangered species. Together, we can make a difference!
