Image for African fruit bats

African fruit bats

African fruit bats, also known as flying foxes, are large bats primarily found in tropical and subtropical regions of Africa. They play a crucial role in ecosystems by pollinating flowers and dispersing seeds, which supports forest regeneration. Unlike insect-eating bats, they primarily consume fruits, nectar, and blossoms. These bats have excellent vision and rely less on echolocation. Their size varies, with some species having wingspans of over a meter. Social animals, they often roost in large colonies, creating a striking sight in the evening skies as they take flight in search of food.