Species information
Scientific name: Pteropus dasymallus
Japanese name: クビワオオコウモリ
Chinese name: 琉球狐蝠
English name: Ryukyu flying fox / Ryukyu fruit bat
Origin: Ryukyu Islands and Taiwan
Ecology and description
The Ryukyu flying fox is divided into several subspecies across the Ryukyu Islands and Taiwan. The Okinawa flying fox is relatively common on Okinawa Island. These bats enjoy a variety of plant-based foods, including new leaves, fruits, and nectar. Predicting their seasonal food sources can make it easier to observe them in the wild.
- Pteropus dasymallus dasymallus (Erabu flying fox): Found on Kuchinoerabujima, Akusekijima, Takarajima, Nakanoshima, and Hirashima. This is the largest and darkest-colored subspecies. It is designated as a national natural monument in Japan.
- Pteropus dasymallus daitoensis (Daito flying fox): Found on Daito Islands. It is also a national natural monument.
- Pteropus dasymallus inopinatus (Okinawa flying fox): Found on Okinawajima and surrounding islands.
- Pteropus dasymallus yayeyamae (Yaeyama flying fox): Found in the Yaeyama and Miyako Islands. This is the smallest subspecies.
- Pteropus dasymallus formosus (Taiwan flying fox): Found in eastern Taiwan and its surrounding islands.
Okinawa flying fox (Pteropus dasymallus inopinatus)
Field photographs taken during our tours, with observation dates
Okinawa flying fox can be seen across Okinawajima, and during the 【Night Birding】 tour, it is frequently observed feeding on various plants depending on the season.
