Straw-Colored Fruit Bat

scientific name

Eidolon helvum

size/weight/height

Weight. 8+ oz
Wingspan. 20-24"
very large vat

adaptations/coloration

Color: wings black; back hair pale & tawny; males' ruff generally bright orange
Cheeks: pouches large
Heart: very large
Wings: long; tip tapered

behavior

nocturnal: leaves roost as darkness falls
Climb: active
Defense: flies in daylight when disturbed
Flight: very strong; can fly long distance; sometimes found 125 miles out to sea
Migrate: throughout range in search of fruit
Roost: large; may have 100,000+ individuals

reproduction/lifespan

Breed: April - June
Implantation: October
Birth: December -February; 1; twins rare

diet

Wild: fruit, nectar
Zoo: fruit, marmoset diet and vegetables

habitat/range

forest, especially tall trees " Sub-Saharan Africa

population

250,000 near Kampala (Uganda) in Sept

status

not listed

oregon zoo exhibit

Africa Rain Forest

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