Indian Flying Fox

[Roopak Gangadharan]

Flying foxes plays a vital role in pollination of many tropical fruits the most well know of course is bananas. In its natural form bananas are almost exclusive pollinated by fruit bats. The flowers of the inflorescence contains nectar on which the bats feed. The rampant persecution of this species is a result of superstition and half knowledge so much so that about 14 species of flying foxes world over have become extinct. To a generation relying on cultured and hybrid varieties of plants which do not need pollination to fruit, the importance of this creature is perhaps lost out. May be the importance of wild varieties of fruit as genetic reservoirs and exclusive exports to economies why rely on tropical fruits for their survival will bring in some focus on their protection.

500D, 55-250, 250mm, Ae, F7.1, ISO 800, SS1/100. Cropped image made in low light.

Rgds
Roopak.G