+255 734 074 840
info@tranquilzanzibar.com
Species Name: Zanzibar Fruit Bat (Pteropus voeltzkowi)
Physical Description:
Habitat:
Behavior:
Reproduction:
Conservation Status:
Zanzibar Fruit Bat, Pteropus keniensis, is the only member of the Pteropus genus of bat in Zanzibar. Zanzibar Fruit Bat is a large bat with a wingspan of 4 feet and a weight of approximately 400 grams. Males are darker than females. They are some of the most colorful and beautiful bats in the world, whereas most fruit bats are shades of brown, grey, and black. This species of bat is often heard but seen less frequently because it is a solitary and shy rooster in treetops. This bat is often mistaken with Egyptian Fruit Bat where their ranges overlap in East Africa. Zanzibar Fruit Bat is much larger than the Egyptian fruit bat, it has darker brown fur, totally black wings with no contrast, and it has completely rounded tips to its ears. Fruit bats are a suborder, Megachiroptera, of the order Chiroptera (bats). They are called Megabats due to their large size in comparison to microbats. All species of fruit bat are frugivorous, but nectar and pollen are also a part of the diet for some species. As fruit eaters, these bats play a vital role in long-distance seed dispersal and a smaller role as pollinators. Long-distance seed dispersal by fruit bats is often due to the bats dropping the fruit away from the source, and as the pulp is digested by the bat, a wet seed is excreted. This usually results in germination when the seed reaches the ground. Nocturnal flowering plants are often visited by fruit bats and usually serve as a nectar source. Symbiotic relationships have occurred with some of these plants, and they have adapted a flower that is only pollinated by bats.
The Zanzibar fruit bat is a small to medium-sized bat with a wingspan of about 3 feet. Unlike microchiroptera, fruit bats have no echolocating devices. Without echolocation, it makes it easier for the Zanzibar fruit bat to fall prey to its natural predator, the Barn owl. Although it is sometimes hard to tell the sex, females usually have a much lighter coat of fur. This is interesting because the hair of a fruit bat is often referred to as fur since it does keep them warm. The fur of the Zanzibar fruit bat is much longer than that of other species, mostly because the temperature on Zanzibar can become quite cool for a night during weather. Their hair can range in color from a golden brown to almost a rust color. This species may look for another place to dwell if humans continue to farm fruit crops. Hunting mostly at dusk or at dawn, the Zanzibar fruit bat usually makes three separate trips from its roost. Banyan, mango, and tamarind are among its favorite nightly meal choices.
The Coastal Sheath-tailed Bat was originally thought to be restricted to the nearby island of Pemba. However, recent records have shown that it is also present on Zanzibar island, though it is a species that seems to be in decline. This small insectivorous bat has been largely under-recorded on the islands, and little is known of its ecology. It roosts in family groups in caves and feeds in the interior and edge of the forest.
The Zanzibar leaf-nosed bat has been recorded from only a few sites on the west of the islands. It is known from only a few specimens. This species is unusual in that it roosts in large groups in caves.
Like many species of fruit bats, the Zanzibar fruit bat has a low-oxygen transport system in its circulatory system. This means that it has a greater capacity to store oxygen in the blood. Its red blood cells are also able to hold and transfer more oxygen, with a higher rate and efficiency. This is an important adaptation for a flying animal in lowland tropical areas, where oxygen availability is often an issue. During the day, when resting, this bat will enter a state of torpor, dropping its metabolic rate and body temperature and reducing energy demands.
The best place to see the Zanzibar fruit bat is at the Ngalawa area in western Unguja (Zanzibar). There is a large campsite formerly known as Panthers’ Point which is usually quite empty. This is a good place to see the bats because it is close to the mangroves and floodplain where the bats roost. You can ask locally to find the exact roosting sites. The area is quite beautiful with good sunsets and it is a good place to see much of the wildlife remaining on Zanzibar, including the elusive Ader’s duiker. Recently, the area has changed quite a lot with a large lodge built at Fumba and many small farms established. This has led to much of the land in the area being leased out, with the campsite at Ndanda being closed. The bat’s habitat at the floodplain and Ngalawa has, however, been largely unaffected and bats can still be seen in large numbers in the area. An alternative to visiting Ngalawa is to just head to the west coast of Zanzibar. The bats range over much of the west and can be seen in large numbers in many coastal areas.