Indian Fruit Bats

The largest of the bat species, Fruit Bats can boast wingspans of up to 5 feet. Like most bats, the Indian Flying Fox (as it is otherwise known) is nocturnal, sleeping during the day in special ‘roosting’ trees. As is implied by the name, these bats are frugivorous, meaning that fruits form almost the sole constituent of their diet; mostly mangoes, bananas or even nectar from flowers.

Unlike other species of bat, the Indian Fruit Bats are not ‘blind’ (do not rely on echolocation) but have incredibly large eyes that give it superb night vision. These ‘megabats’ are known to travel over 40 miles a night, meaning they can be spotted all around the Maldives, searching for food.

The best place to spot these airborne mammals is in Banyan or Almond trees after dusk.