About This File
The Pemba flying fox is a large fruit bat weighing 400 - 650 g (0.9 - 1.4 lb). Its diet consists of the fruit and flowers of a number of plants.
Primary and secondary forest, graveyards and mangroves provide roosting sites. The Pemba flying fox is very social and has been found in large colonies until recently.
The Pemba flying fox is found only on Pemba Island, Tanzania. The island was originally forested, but only remnants of the primary forest remain. Estimates of the status of the Pemba flying fox have varied considerably recently. Studies in 1989 suggested a dramatic population decline, with fewer than 10 individuals being seen, and the species was considered to be on the brink of extinction. However, in 1992, surveys indicated a population in the region of 2400-3600, although it was estimated that the population may have declined significantly in the preceding decade. (Entwistle & Corp 1997)
Habitat loss from deforestation is a major concern, since the last fragments of natural forest are now in danger of disappearing (Seehausen 1991). Pemba islanders hunt bats only for subsistence purposes, not for commercial purposes. Currently, the villagers appear mainly to use traditional hunting methods. If the use of shotguns increases, hunting could become more of a threat.
Source: Professor Paul's Nature Encyclopedia
Many thanks to Ziggy for the original gif animations.
Updated 2010-11-05
Just to save space with less in zip and smaller image.
Nothing new.
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