Giant Golden-Crowned Bat: Endangered Species in the Philippines
The enormous golden-crowned bat, also known as the golden-crowned flying fox, is a fruit-eating megabat and one of the largest species of bats in the world. It has a wingspan of approximately 5-foot-6 and a body that ranges in size from seven inches to 11.4 inches, weighing less than 3 pounds. The fig-loving bat is a nocturnal herbivore that hunts at night for roots, fruits, and vegetables. Its head is covered in a fluffy golden crown.
Unique to the Philippines
Although other varieties of flying fox megabats exist in Asia, Africa, and Australia, the golden-crowned flying fox is unique to the Philippine jungles, where it frequently lives in colonies with up to 10,000 members. The giant golden-crowned flying foxes don’t use echolocation like many other bats; instead, they use sight and scent to find their way through the air. By spreading fig seeds after it feeds, the flying fox contributes to reforestation throughout the Philippines while remaining unrelenting in its fight against deforestation.
Endangered Species
Sadly, humans are encroaching on the bats’ habitat and hunting them illegally for sport or food, causing a rapid decline in the golden-crowned bat population. More than 90% of the old-growth forests in the Philippines have been destroyed, and the species has totally vanished from many of its former roosting locations on numerous islands, according to Bat Conservation International. The destruction of their natural habitat and hunting for sale, sport, and personal consumption have caused a 50% decline in the golden-crowned bat population from 1986 to 2016. Consequently, the species is listed as endangered on The International Union for Conservation of Nature.
Not “Human-Sized”
People were initially astonished by the size and predatory look of the golden-crowned bat, which led to both confusion and panic. However, it is important to clarify that the bats are not “human-sized” unless you are comparing them to a small child instead of an average adult human.
Unafraid of Humans
Flying foxes are not afraid of people and can be seen in forests close to cities or towns, perched on utility poles, or just loitering in inhabited places where they feel at ease. They can distinguish between safe and unsafe environments, though, and will move and roost in places that are inaccessible to people, including slopes more than 1,000 feet above sea level.
Quick Learners
Similar to a dog in intelligence, these bats are also incredibly quick learners with a high capacity for memory, according to studies. Flying-fox bats that were raised by humans were effectively taught to pull levers in exchange for juice rewards. More significantly, when the bats came back to the experimental chamber three and a half years later, they pulled the levers right away because they knew they would be rewarded.
Not a Threat to Humans
Despite their unfavorable reputation as murderous animals, only three of the 1,300 species of bats are known to ingest human blood. The golden-crowned flying foxes are harmless and show no signs of attacking people.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the giant golden-crowned bat is an endangered species in the Philippines that is being threatened by the destruction of its natural habitat and illegal hunting. These bright, innocent animals are being slaughtered and losing their habitat as a result of deforestation. It’s essential to raise awareness for this harmless, endangered creature.