Rodrigues flying fox

Rodrigues flying foxes live in groups consisting of one male and several females. Whilst the males often sleep alone, the females form larger groups. They usually give birth to a single young, which is able to fly after two to three months. By the age of six to twelve months, the young is fully independent.

The Rodrigues flying fox is found exclusively on the island of Rodrigues, which covers just 110 km², where its range is now restricted to a single valley. Following a series of devastating cyclones in the 1970s, the population fell to around 70 surviving animals. Thanks to conservation measures and reforestation, the population has recovered to several thousand animals. Conservation breeding provides additional security for the species.

Flying foxes do not usually navigate using echolocation, but rely on their senses of sight and smell