Mammals
Livingstone's Fruit Bat
Pteropus livingstonii · also called Livingstone's flying fox, Comoro black flying fox
In daylight above a forested Comoro island, a Livingstone’s fruit bat glides on wings more than a metre across, one of only a thousand or so of its kind left on Earth.
Overview
Livingstone’s fruit bat, Pteropus livingstonii, is a Critically Endangered flying fox found only on two Comoro Islands in the western Indian Ocean. Its large size, daytime activity, and dependence on island forest make it one of the rarest and most distinctive fruit bats in the world.
A bat on the edge
Because the entire species depends on remnant forest on two small islands, protecting that forest is the key to keeping Livingstone’s fruit bat from extinction.
Status
Critically Endangered, with a decreasing population confined to two islands.
Livingstone's Fruit Bat: common questions
Where does Livingstone's fruit bat live?
It lives only on the Comoro Islands of Anjouan and Moheli in the western Indian Ocean.
Why is Livingstone's fruit bat endangered?
It has been pushed to the brink by clearing of forest on the islands for farming and fuel.
Is Livingstone's fruit bat active in the daytime?
Yes, it is unusually active in daylight, feeding during the day as well as at night.
How many Livingstone's fruit bats are left?
Only a small number remain, perhaps around a thousand animals.