Pteropus scapulatus Click to enlarge image
Flying-fox, Little Red GBB-36895.tif Image: G B Baker
© Australian Museum

Fast Facts

  • Classification
    Genus
    Pteropus
    Species
    scapulatus
    Family
    Pteropodidae
    Order
    Chiroptera
    Subclass
    Eutheria
    Subphylum
    Vertebrata
    Phylum
    Chordata
    Kingdom
    Animalia

Introduction

Little Red Flying-foxes are important pollinators of tree species and fly further into inland Australia than other bat species, following the flowering of eucalypts.

Habitat

Little Red Flying-foxes roost on the branches of trees. They roost in groups, called camps, of up to many thousands of bats. They often share camps with other flying fox species.

Distribution



Feeding and diet

Little Red Flying-foxes appear to favour the nectar and pollen of eucalypt blossom over other foods that make up their diet, such as other flowers and fruit. Orchards are raided sometimes when other food is limited.

Conservation status

Little Red Flying-foxes are vulnerable to loss of feeding areas from forestry operations, clearing of native vegetation and land degradation from agriculture.