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Nile bat
Nile bat
The only fruit bat inhabiting Africa and Asia.
Type: Chordates
Class: Mammals
Order: Chiroptera
Family: Bats
Genus: Flying dogs (or night bats)
Species: Nile bat
General Settings
  • They live in the tropics and subtropics of Africa, through the Nile Valley. The area of distribution extends from Egypt and the Arabian Peninsula to the south of Turkey and Cyprus.
  • Body length-13-15 cm.
  • Weight – 90-160 g.
  • They feed on juicy fruits. Their favorite food is figs.
  • The life expectancy of 17-20 years.

The bat has a funny face very similar to a fox or dog, so their main name is flying dogs.


Social behavior


In nature, the Nile bat becomes active at nightfall and flies out in search of food. In search of food, they can fly about 40 km. When they are satisfied, the animals return to their place of daytime sleep. The bats take a comfortable position upside down, wrapped in their leather flying webbing cloak. The animals sleep in a group, huddled together. They live in large groups, ranging from several hundred to several thousand individuals. They settle in caves, abandoned buildings and in the hollows of trees.


Reproduction


The gestation period lasts approximately 115-120 days. The female usually gives birth to one cub per year, but sometimes twins are born. For about six weeks, the female carries the cub on her body, without letting it go. Later, she leaves him hanging alone on the rock ledges, but returns to him and continues to feed him milk.


Species and people


In areas where tropical fruits are grown, the population is hostile to them. Despite the persecution, their numbers are fairly stable. The Nile bat, or as they are also called the Egyptian flying dog, is gaining more and more popularity in the living corners, as this animal is very charming and interesting.


Interesting Facts


This type of bat is interesting because it has been found to have echolocation, although not nearly as perfect as in "real" bats. But they have better developed vision and sense of smell.

Current status in wildlife
  • Not
    evaluated
    NE
  • Data
    deficient
    DD
  • Data
    deficient
    lc
  • near
    threatened
    NT
  • vulnerable
    vu
  • endangered
    en
  • critically
    endangered
    cr
  • extinct
    in the wild
    ew
  • Extinct
    ex
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