There are over 50 species of mammals in Hong Kong, and bats account for almost half of them. While some of us may find bats a little mysterious, they are actually around us in Hong Kong, with some appearing in the urban areas!
Short-nosed Fruit Bat is one of the two fruit bat species in Hong Kong. With big eyes and a cute face that resembles a puppy, the bat is also called 'Dog-faced Fruit Bat'. It is rather common in Hong Kong, living under Chinese Fan Palm and Petticoat Palm in rural areas, woodlands, and even urban parks. The male fruit bat builds shelters by chewing the veins of the fronds, letting them collapse to form little 'tents' which he and other co-inhabitants call home.
Despite its small size, Short-nosed Fruit Bat can usually live for more than 10 years. The male fruit bats are usually larger in size and have orange-tinted collars. The females, on the other hand, are smaller and have yellowish brown collars instead. Sometimes you may find them holding their young ones. Short-nosed Fruit Bat is active at night, but unlike other insectivorous bats, it does not rely on echolocation but its good vision and sense of smell to forage at dusk and night.
Often being associated with darkness and with limited public understanding, some people are fearful of bats. However, these tiny creatures play a huge role in the ecosystem. Short-nosed Fruit Bat, for example, feeds on fruits and nectars. In the process of foraging, it helps Common Red-stem Fig disperse seeds, and also pollinates flowers of other plants such as banana trees and Birdwood's Mucuna. This make it an important seed disperser and pollinator for many kinds of plants!
| Family | Pteropodidae |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Cynopterus sphinx |
| Adult Size | 8.2–10.9 cm in length |
| Habitat | Under the giant leaves of Chinese Fan Palm and Petticoat Palm in urban parks, and forests |
| IUCN Red List Status | Least Concern |
