Day 127 of 180 Days Around the World Cruise - Going Batty in the Seychelles

The Secret Seed Dispersers: Unveiling the Seychelles Fruit Bat

The Seychelles, known for its idyllic beaches, boasts another fascinating resident – the Seychelles fruit bat. Often called a "flying fox" due to its impressive wingspan (up to 1.1 meters!), this gentle giant plays a vital ecological role.

Fruity Feast and Forest Helpers
Unlike vampire bats, the Seychelles fruit bat is strictly vegetarian. With a keen sense of smell, they navigate the night, seeking out ripe fruits like mangoes and balsa trees. But their nighttime snacking benefits the islands' ecosystem.

As they devour fruit, the bats swallow the seeds whole. Undigested seeds are then dispersed throughout the forest in their droppings, helping regenerate trees and ensuring healthy future generations of plants.

Endemic and Abundant
Found only in the Seychelles and a couple of nearby islands, the Seychelles fruit bat is an endemic species. Thankfully, their abundance means they're not endangered. You might even see them hanging upside down in trees during the day on islands like Silhouette.

A Crucial Critter
Next time you visit the Seychelles, keep an eye out for these fascinating fruit bats. Not only are they impressive flyers, but they're also silent heroes, ensuring the continued health of the islands' lush rainforests.

Text by Gemini