A impressive flying mammal

General Information

The giant golden-crowned flying fox (Acerodon jubatus), also known as the golden-capped fruit bat, is a species of megabat endemic to the Philippines. It is one of the largest bat species in the world, weighing up to 1.4 kg (3.1 lb). It has the longest documented forearm length of any bat species at 21 cm (8.3 in).

Some Interesting Facts

1. Golden-crowned flying foxes wingspan can reach 5'6" in length. Imagine Tom Cruise floating sideways.
2. They live almost exclusively on figs
3. Like nearly all megabats, they cannot echolocate, and must rely on their sight to navigate

Range and Habitat

The giant golden-crowned flying fox is endemic to the Philippines;It is a forest specialist, occurring mostly at elevations from sea level to 1,100 m (3,600 ft).[1] It prefers areas uninhabited by humans. A 2005 study found none in inhabited areas.[27] The same study also revealed that these bats use river corridors called riparian zones more than originally thought, because the fig trees located near rivers are the bats' main source of food. They like to be close to agricultural fields, but only in undisturbed forest areas.[27]