The immense golden-crowned bat, with its wingspan comparable to that of Tom Cruise, may appear fearsome as it glides through the air with its lean, hairy body and impressive wings. While roosting, it resembles a vampire with its stretchy black cape. Despite its intimidating appearance, this fruit-eating megabat, found exclusively in the Philippines, poses no threat to humans. Unfortunately, their habitat is being encroached upon, and they are illegally hunted for sport or food, making them an endangered species.
People were both fascinated and horrified by the viral photographs of these vulnerable endangered creatures. Initially, they were wrongly described as “human-sized” bats, causing confusion and panic. Before we delve further into these extraordinary creatures, let’s clarify a few things. These bats are not “human-sized” unless we are comparing them to a small child, not the average adult human. With a wingspan of approximately 5-foot-6 and a body size ranging from seven to 11.4 inches, weighing less than 3 pounds, the golden-crowned bat is indeed one of the largest bat species in the world.
The fig-loving bat is a herbivore that hunts at night for roots, fruits, and vegetables. Its head is adorned with a fluffy golden crown. While other varieties of flying fox megabats exist in Asia, Africa, and Australia, the golden-crowned flying fox (Acerodon jubatus) is unique to the Philippine jungles, often living in colonies of up to 10,000 members. During the day, they hang upside down from trees, dozing off in groups. Sometimes, the enormous flying foxes, with a wingspan of less than five feet, sleep alongside their smaller cousins, the giant bats. Unlike many other bats, the Giant Golden-crowned Flying Foxes do not use echolocation to navigate; they rely on sight and scent.
By spreading fig seeds as they feed, the flying foxes contribute to reforestation throughout the Philippines while battling against deforestation. Unfortunately, humans cause more destruction, making their efforts in vain. According to Bat Conservation International (BCI), over 90% of the old-growth forests in the Philippines have been destroyed, leading to the complete disappearance of the golden-crowned bat from several roosting locations on numerous islands. The destruction of their natural habitat, coupled with illegal hunting for sale, sport, and personal consumption, has resulted in a significant decline in the golden-crowned bat population, dropping by 50% from 1986 to 2016. As a result, this species is now listed as endangered by The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
Although there are laws in place, such as the Philippine Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act of 2001, providing protection for bats, they are not properly enforced. The animals’ roosts, despite being in protected zones, are still subject to mass killings. Hunters shoot the sleeping bats, causing immense and unnecessary suffering. Many injured bats are left hanging by their toes on branches when killed, unable to release their grip.
Despite the dangers posed by humans, flying foxes are not afraid of people and can be found in forests near cities or towns, perched on utility poles, or simply hanging around inhabited areas where they feel comfortable. They can distinguish between safe and unsafe environments and will choose to roost in places inaccessible to humans, including slopes over 1,000 feet above sea level. These bats are also highly intelligent and quick learners, with an impressive memory capacity, as studies have shown.
Contrary to their negative reputation as blood-sucking creatures, only three out of the 1,300 bat species actually ingest human blood. The golden-crowned flying foxes are actually quite adorable once you get past the initial shock of their unique physical features, such as their large eyes, pointed teeth, and leathery wings.
It is disheartening to know that these innocent creatures are being slaughtered and losing their habitat due to deforestation. Let us share this story to raise awareness for this harmless and endangered species. Together, we can make a difference.
