Flying Foxes flying over our heads

In previous blogs I have recognised the fact that animals are being adversely affected by the effects of climate change. My main focus has been primarily on birds (e.g. the Honeycreepers) , there are some less well known mammals which are also being put in danger: these are the Flying Foxes. These are large bats which are limited in worldwide distribution due to their tropical diet of nectar, blossom, pollen and fruit (Vardon 1995). 

They are a threatened species generally but especially in the Pacific where cultural traditions and reliance on farming makes them more of a target from humans (Vardon 1995). In the Mariana Islands they are considered a local delicacy, the Maldives believe they cure asthma, and farmers attack the bats because they feed on their plantations. 

The Mortlocks and other low lying coralline islands seem to be in the most trouble (Welbergen 2008). Aside from the loss of land on islands which are already very small, sea water encroachment into the water table along with more frequent total or near total inundation of the islands during storm surges would eliminate the food and roosting sites on which the bats currently depend (Buden 2013). the Volcanic islands will provide a safer environment for the flying fox which provides hope that extinction is not definite. There is concern that climate change will affect weather patterns which will affect vegetation type and food resources (Buden 2013). It is important to remember these lesser known species as some can be forgotten and can be led to extinction. One of the most recently confirmed mammalian extinctions was the Christmas Island pipistrelle, which scientists believed vanished forever in 2009 (Buden 2013). Therefore we should provide more focus on protecting the flying fox and other less known species. 

 Buden D W, Helgen KM, Wiles GJ (2013) Taxonomy, distribution, and natural history of flying foxes (Chiroptera: Pteropodidae) in the Mortlock Islands and Chuuk State, Caroline Islands.
Read more at http://news.mongabay.com/2013/1028-hance-mortlock-bats.html#TmMpSCfVKoIt1R3J.99

Vardon, M.J. & Tidemann, C.R. (1995) Harvesting of flyingfoxes (Pteropus spp.) in Australia: could it promote the conservation of endangered Pacific island species? In Conservation through sustainable use of wildlife (eds G. Grigg, P. Hale & D. Lunney), pp. 82–85, Brisbane, Australia.

Welbergen, J.; Klose, S.; Markus, N.; Eby, P. (2008). "Climate change and the effects of temperature extremes on Australian flying-foxes". Proceedings. Biological sciences / the Royal Society 275 (1633): 419–425.