What kind of animal is the Orii flying fox? We will explain its characteristics, ecology, and habitat. It is a type of bat that is distributed in the southwestern islands of Japan and Taiwan, and can only be seen mainly in Far East Asia. As a result, its habitat is limited, and it is designated as an endangered species.
What is Orii’s Flying Fox? Basic Stats
Orii’s fruit bat is an animal belonging to the order Chiroptera, family Pteropodidae, and genus Pteropus. It is a subspecies of the collared flying fox and is found on Okinawa Island and the surrounding islands. Its scientific name is Pteropus dasymallus inopinatus, and its English name is Orii’s fruit bat. Its body length is 19-25cm and its weight is 0.3-0.5kg. The list of information is as follows.
| Japanese（和名） | オリイオオコウモリ |
| English（英名） | Orii’s fruit bat |
| scientific name(学名) | Pteropus dasymallus inopinatus |
| classification（分類） | Mammalia、Chiroptera、 Pteropodidae、Pteropus 哺乳綱、翼手目、オオコウモリ科、オオコウモリ属 |
| IUCN Status(保全状況) | VULNERABLE |
| Length（体長） | 19-25cm |
| Weight（体重） | 0.3-0.5kg |
classification
- 界 (Kingdom): Animalia（動物界）
- 門 (Phylum): Chordata（脊索動物門）
- 綱 (Class): Mammalia（哺乳類）
- 目 (Order): Chiroptera（コウモリ目）
- 亜目 (Suborder): Megachiroptera（大コウモリ亜目 / フルーツコウモリ）
- 科 (Family): Pteropodidae（オオコウモリ科 / フルーツコウモリ科）
- 属 (Genus): Pteropus（フライングフォックス属）
- 種 (Species): P. mariannus（オリイオオコウモリ）
Habitat
The Orii flying fox can be seen in Japan and Taiwan.
- Geographic Distribution
Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan, Tinian, etc.)
Guam
Distributed on some small islands
It is endemic and limited to islands in the southwest Pacific.
- Habitat
The Orii’s flying fox is an arboreal fruit bat that prefers the following environments:
Tropical and subtropical forests
Rests in the canopies of dense forests
Forms colonies of dozens to hundreds of individuals in the trees during the day
Around orchards and farmland
Flys to areas with abundant fruit
Feeds on fruits such as mangoes, bananas, and breadfruit
Coastal forests
In island environments, they also use coastal forests as habitats
- Habitat Characteristics
Safe resting places: Rests high in trees during the day to hide from predators and humans
Abundant food resources: Areas with abundant fruit and flowers are the habitat of choice
Colony formation: Forms flocks in the canopy of trees and engages in social interactions
- Habitat Threats
Deforestation and land development
Habitat loss due to agricultural expansion and housing construction
Hunting and capture due to orchard damage
Impact of invasive species and natural enemies
Risks from invasive predators such as cats and rats
What are its characteristics? What does it look like?
The Orii flying fox has reddish brown or dark brown fur that is long and woolly. The fur around its neck is pale yellow and resembles a collar. It does not fly by echolocation using ultrasonic waves, but by sight, so it has high eyesight and tends to have large eyes. The Orii flying fox prefers forests. It is nocturnal and often rests during the day.
- Physical Appearance
Body Length: Approximately 20-25 cm (head and body length)
Wingspan: Approximately 1.2 m
Weight: Approximately 0.6-1.2 kg
Coat:
Back: Dark brown to black
Light yellowish-brown to brown fur around the neck
Face: Round face, large eyes, short nose
Limbs: The forefingers extend to support the wing membrane, and the hind feet are adapted for clinging to trees
- Athletic Ability
Flight: Excellent flying ability
Capable of long-distance flight, they travel to islands in search of fruit and flowers
Arboreal Life: Rests and sleeps by hanging from tree branches
Unsuitable for Water: Completely adapted to terrestrial, arboreal, and aerial life
- Diet
Frugivore: Feeds primarily on fruit (mango, banana, breadfruit, etc.)
Also consumes nectar and sap: They are active at night, licking flowers and tree sap.
Seed disperser: They play an important ecological role in transporting the seeds of eaten fruit over long distances.
- Personality and Behavior
Nocturnal: They search for food at night.
Social: They form colonies in trees (tens to hundreds of individuals).
Sociable: They communicate within the colony through vocalizations and body movements.
Alert: They are sensitive to predators and humans.
What is its personality like?
The Orii flying fox is a little wary and does not get tame at first. It is said to be a very cooperative animal because it often lives alone or in small groups.
- Sociality
Living in groups (colonies)
They can form colonies of dozens or even hundreds of individuals.
Within the colony, they communicate with each other through vocalizations and body movements.
Living in groups protects them from predators and also allows them to exchange information about food sources.
- Vigilance
They are highly sensitive to predators (such as birds of prey and humans).
They rest quietly in trees during the day and take off immediately if they sense a threat.
They are cautious about new environments and changes, and their curiosity and vigilance coexist.
- Personality of Males and Females
Males:
They become more territorial during the breeding season.
They may become aggressive toward other males in order to protect females.
Females:
Relatively calm, focusing on raising their young and cooperating with the group.
Cooperative behavior is prominent within the colony.
- Personality of Young
Curious and playful
They learn by observing the behavior of their mother and the adults in the group.
They learn flight, fruit hunting, and social skills through play and imitation.
- Personality Summary
Sociable: They live in groups.
Highly cautious: Sensitive to predators and humans.
Highly educated: Young bats learn survival skills through play and imitation.
Territorial: Males are dominant during breeding season.
💡 Key Points:
Ori’s flying foxes are “gentle-looking, but highly social, vigilant, and cooperative nocturnal gregarious creatures.”
Males are strong during breeding season, while females are cooperative and dedicated to raising their young. Young bats are curious and highly educated.
What is its ecology like?
The Orii flying fox eats fruits, flowers, leaves, and some insects. It breeds from October to December and can give birth to one baby at a time. The babies become independent in about six months and have a lifespan of about 20 years.
- Life Rhythm
Nocturnal: Active at night, searching for fruit and nectar.
Daytime: Rests in trees, lives in groups (colonies).
Arboreal: Often rests by hanging from tree branches to protect themselves from predators.
- Diet
Frugivory (Fruit Feeding): Mainly fruits such as mangoes, bananas, and breadfruit.
Nectar and Sap: Also consumes flowers and sap.
Role in the Ecosystem:
Important as a seed disperser for fruit.
Contributes to pollination by consuming nectar.
- Reproduction and Rearing
Gestation Period: Approximately 5-6 months.
Birth: One calf at a time.
Rearing: Mothers nurse and protect the calves, which become independent within a few months.
Primary Life: By rearing their calves in a colony, the calves learn social skills and flight.
- Movement and Behavior
Flight Ability: Capable of long-distance travel, sometimes traveling between islands in search of food resources.
Primary Behavior: They travel in groups at night to efficiently access food sources.
Vigilance behavior: They are sensitive to predators and humans, and will quickly fly away if they sense danger.
- Social ecology
Within the colony, they communicate with each other through vocalizations and body movements.
Young animals learn social skills, flight abilities, and foraging techniques through play and imitation.
Males establish territories and mate with females during the breeding season.
- Habitat role
Although not a predator, they are an important component of the ecosystem.
They contribute to forest regeneration by dispersing fruit seeds and pollinating flowers.
Colony formation: They contribute to maintaining biodiversity in island ecosystems.
Do they have any natural enemies?
The Orii flying fox’s natural enemies include wildcats.
About Orii’s flying fox juveniles
This article provides a detailed explanation of the ecology of Orii’s flying fox juveniles (Pteropus mariannus). The juvenile stage is an important period for developing survival skills and social skills.
- Birth
Gestation Period: Approximately 5-6 months
Birthing Season: Birthing mainly occurs during seasons suited to the island’s climate
Litter Size: One pup per litter
Weight: Approximately 70-120 g at birth
Appearance:
Soft fur, dark brown back
Light fur around the neck is not yet noticeable
Wings are still small and incapable of flight
- Early Development
Lactation: Exclusively breastfed for the first few months of life
Maternal Protection: Moves by clinging to mother’s chest
Safe Location: Resting on tall tree branches within the colony
- Play and Motor Learning
Cubs acquire flight and motor skills through play
Practices jumping between twigs
Wing flapping strengthened
They also learn social skills by playing with siblings and other cubs within the colony
- Dietary Transition
Begins licking small amounts of fruit at around 2-4 months of age
Gradually transitioning from breast milk to solid foods
Begins practicing self-feeding at around 6 months of age
- The Process of Independence
Accompanying the mother: Dependent on the mother from 6 months to 1 year
Independence: Flight and foraging skills are mastered by about 1 year, and the young can become independent
Socialization: Experiences as a pup help them acquire the ability to communicate within the colony
- Personality of the Pup
Curious and playful
Highly capable of learning, they imitate the behavior of their mother and other adults
They gradually acquire a sense of caution
Is the Orii flying fox an endangered species?
The Orii flying fox is designated as an endangered species. The same species, the Daito flying fox and the Erabu flying fox, are designated as endangered species Class I in the Okinawa Red Data and Kagoshima Red Data, and are in a critical situation. Their population continues to decline due to habitat destruction caused by development and a decrease in food.
- International Assessment (IUCN)
Classification: Endangered
Populations are declining and the species is considered at high risk of extinction.
- Causes of Decline
Deforestation and Habitat Destruction
Human activities have reduced tropical and subtropical forests on islands.
Colony sites have been reduced due to orchards and development.
Hunting and Capture
Sometimes captured for food and to control damage to fruit trees.
Decreased juvenile and adult populations.
Impact of Invasive Species
Predation of juveniles by introduced predators such as cats and rats.
Resource Shortage
Decreased fruit and nectar supplies result in decreased reproductive and survival rates.
- Conservation Status
Laws and Regulations:
Captivity and hunting are prohibited in areas such as the Northern Mariana Islands and Guam.
International trade is restricted under CITES Appendix I.
Conservation Activities:
Habitat Protection and Restoration
Colony Monitoring and Population Management
Conservation in Cooperation with Local Communities
Can you keep the Orii flying fox as a pet?
The Orii flying fox is designated as an endangered species. For this reason, it is extremely difficult for the general public to keep one as a pet. Take one to a zoo or somewhere similar.
- Nature of Wildlife
A large fruit bat with a wingspan of approximately 1.2 m
Highly social and required to live in groups
Nocturnal and highly skilled fliers
Strong predator defense instincts and sensitive to environmental changes
→ Safely keeping them at home is practically impossible
- Petting Laws and Regulations
The Orii flying fox is an endangered species
International trade is restricted under CITES Appendix I
In many countries, breeding, import, and sale without permission are prohibited
In Japan, breeding is permitted only in licensed facilities such as zoos and research facilities
- Requirements for Breeding (Specialized Facilities)
Large flying space: A facility that allows for flapping and long-distance flight
Arboreal resting environment: Trees and branches for hanging and resting during the day
Dietary Management: An ample daily supply of fruit and nectar
Colony Management: Due to their highly social nature, keeping them alone can cause stress
Veterinarians and Specialized Staff: Health management, breeding management, accident prevention
コメント