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As we celebrate Bat Appreciation Day today, we would like to shed some light on the Rodrigues Fruit Bat (Pteropus rodricensis), a unique species found only on Rodrigues. The species is believed to have occurred on Mauritius also, but is now found only on Rodrigues.
This remarkable mammal, often called the Rodrigues Flying Fox or the Golden Fruit Bat, is easily recognized by its thick, dark brown fur highlighted with golden tones around the head, neck, and shoulders. It is a medium-sized bat, measuring about 20 cm in body length, with an impressive wingspan that can reach up to 90 cm. Its wings are made of thin, stretchy skin supported by light bones, allowing it to fly efficiently. With its large eyes and ears, and no tail, it is well adapted to its nocturnal lifestyle.
The Rodrigues Fruit Bat is mostly found in wooded areas, where it roosts during the day in the remaining patches of forest and dense vegetation. At night, it becomes active and feeds on a wide range of native/endemic and introduced fruits, flowers, and leaves, including mango, palm fruits, and figs. Like many fruit bats, it feeds mainly on pulp and juice, often leaving behind the harder parts.
Beyond its feeding habits, the Rodrigues Fruit Bat plays an essential ecological role. By dispersing seeds and pollinating plants, it contributes directly to forest regeneration. In an island ecosystem such as Rodrigues, this makes the species vital for maintaining biodiversity and supporting the natural balance of plant life.
In the past, habitat loss due to deforestation, combined with cyclones and hunting, caused a severe decline in its population. In the early 1970s, only a few dozen individuals remained, making it the rarest bat in the world.
Conservation efforts have since helped reverse this situation. Through habitat restoration, legal protection, and awareness campaigns, the bat population has increased significantly over the years. In 2025, our surveys indicated a population of over 25, 000 individuals. Captive breeding programmes in Europe and North America also played a role in safeguarding the species and ensuring its survival beyond the wild population. The species has been immortalised in Gerald Durrell’s book, Golden Bats and Pink Pigeons.
On this International Bat Appreciation Day, let’s enjoy the beautiful colours of this amazing species and be delighted of the exceptionally vital role this species plays in Rodrigues’ biodiversity.
We thank Philadelphia Zoo (US), Chester Zoo (UK) and the Rodrigues Regional Assembly for their continuous support.
