The huge golden-crowned bat, with wings as broad as an average adult’s height, is a breathtaking sight as it soars through the air. Its lean, hairy body and wide wingspan give it an almost mythical appearance, while its black cape-like wings resemble a vampire when roosting. Despite their dramatic look, these fruit-eating megabats are harmless and pose no threat to humans.
However, their existence is under threat. Illegal hunting and habitat destruction are rapidly reducing their population, making them an endangered species. The viral photographs of these bats, often described as "human-sized," caused fascination and fear worldwide. Yet, the term "human-sized" is misleading. With a wingspan of around 5-foot-6 and a body size between seven and 11.4 inches, they are closer in size to a small child than an adult human.
The golden-crowned flying fox is a nocturnal herbivore that feeds on roots, fruits, and vegetables, particularly figs. It plays a crucial role in reforestation by spreading seeds throughout the Philippines. This species, unique to the jungles of the Philippines, is part of a larger family of flying foxes found in Asia, Africa, and Australia. Often living in colonies of up to 10,000 members, they spend their days roosting in trees, hanging from their clawed toes.
Unlike many other bats, these flying foxes do not use echolocation but rely on their sharp eyesight and keen sense of smell to navigate. Despite their efforts to reforest the region, deforestation has devastated their habitats. Over 90% of the Philippines' old-growth forests have been destroyed, with the bat population dropping by 50% from 1986 to 2016. As a result, the golden-crowned flying fox is listed as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
Though Philippine law, specifically the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act of 2001, offers protection, enforcement remains inadequate. Poachers target the bats during their vulnerable roosting periods, leading to mass killings. Tragically, many are left dangling from branches even after being shot.
Flying foxes are intelligent creatures with memory capabilities comparable to dogs. Studies show they can learn tasks like pulling levers for rewards and remember them even years later. Despite their eerie appearance, with large eyes and leathery wings, these bats are harmless and play an essential role in the ecosystem.
Raising awareness about the plight of the golden-crowned flying fox is vital. Protecting their habitat and enforcing existing laws are key steps to ensure their survival. If you’re inspired by their story, share it to support conservation efforts and educate others about these gentle giants of the night.
