Flying Fox Almost Extinct

Malaysian Reader
Contribution

Edited by James M. Kelly

Flying Fox on the verge of extinction in Malaysia

According to a recent survey conducted by scientists, the world’s largest fruit bat, known as the Flying Fox, is on the verge of extinction in Malaysia. According to the team of scientists, Flying Fox could be extinct from Malaysia as early as 2015 if its illegal killings are not curbed.

The research concluded that around 22,000 Flying Foxes are hunted annually. These bats are hunted for food, medicinal purpose and as a sporting activity. The shooting takes place at dusk, when the bats fly around in search of food.

These fruit bats are an essential component of the rainforest ecosystem in Malaysia. Having a wing span of about 1.5 meters, these bats eat fruit and nectar, and while doing so they drop seeds around the forest and pollinate trees thereby, helping in the growth of rainforest trees.

The research team carried out an extensive survey to track the number of these fruit bats in Malaysia. They also collected the government data on hunting licenses and used a computer model to predict the future of this species while varying their death rates and their current population.

In a first such initiative in Asia, satellite telemetry was used to track these bats in Malaysia. Individual bats were tied a collar around their neck, and the signals coming from these collars were tracked by satellites to study the flying pattern of Flying Fox. This advanced tracking method showed that a Flying Fox can travel approximately 60 kilometers a night in search of food.

The team of scientists has suggested that the government should impose a temporary ban on the hunting of Flying Fox so that their study can be extended and a more extensive assessment can be done. Ironically, the hunting of Flying Fox is banned in the neighboring Thailand and parts of Indonesia. Thus, a coordinated effort needs to be undertaken by all the neighboring countries in order to save this species from extinction.