Class: Mammalia

Order: Chiroptera

Scientific Name: Pteropus rodricensis

Range: Rodriquez Island in the western Indian Ocean

Habitat: Forests and swamps

Diet: Wild: Fruit, also eucalyptus and other flowers.

Gestation: 140-150 days

Litter: unknown

Description: This is a medium-sized bat, about 12 inches hanging. Coloration is silvery and blackish-brown. There is no tail. The area between the shoulders is often yellow or grayish-yellow.They normally roost in trees by day, and colonies may utilize the same roosting site year after year. During daylight there is much noise and motion in the roosts, and individuals sometimes fly from one place to another. At dusk they fly to fruit trees to feed. They are strong fliers. Some drink sea water, apparently to obtain mineral salts lacking in the plant food. They maintain a body temperature of 33-37 degrees C. This range is maintained by constant activity. They have a very noticeable characteristic odor. This species is endangered, and its future remains in doubt. Captive breeding groups have been established. They have been seriously affected by the clearing of forests, resulting in easier access by hunters, and loss of buffering protection against cyclonic winds.