The Seychelles Fruit Bat Pteropus seychellensis (Sousouri) is a megabat endemic to Seychelles. It is widely distributed throughout the central granitic Islands. The large bat can weigh up to 600g and have a wingspan of up to 1.2 metres. It is covered in dark brown fur and has black wings with a distinctive bright orange-yellow head and neck and a prominent snout. As the name suggests, it eats fruit as well as nectar and pollen.
It is a significant component of the islands’ ecosystems, dispersing seeds of many native tree species. They consume a wide range of local fruits, including mangoes and papayas. While feeding at a tree, the bats make extremely loud noises, which last all night. They roost communally and can be seen sleeping most of the day hanging from one foot in a tree or flying at dusk. They can fly between islands, for instance between Praslin and Cousin. The fruit bat is hunted for meat. Although there’s no law prohibiting fruit bat hunting, this practice is largely discouraged these days.
(Photo credit: Dao Nguyen)