Eidolon helvum

The African straw-coloured fruit bat is one of the largest and most important bat species in Africa. Named for the light, straw-colored fur around their necks, these bats are strong fliers known for traveling long distances in search of food.

African straw-coloured fruit bats are native to sub-Saharan Africa and can be found in forests, savannas, wetlands, and urban areas. They often roost in large colonies, sometimes numbering in the thousands, high in trees near rivers or other water sources. These communal roosts provide safety and help bats conserve energy.

These bats are herbivores, feeding primarily on fruit, nectar, and flowers. Their diet includes figs, mangos, bananas, and other native fruits. As they feed, straw-colored fruit bats carry pollen on their fur and disperse seeds through their droppings, often over great distances.

African straw-coloured fruit bats are nocturnal, spending daylight hours resting in trees and becoming active at dusk. They use keen eyesight and a strong sense of smell to locate food rather than echolocation like many insect-eating bats. Their powerful wings allow them to migrate seasonally and travel dozens of miles in a single night.

Bats play a critical role in keeping ecosystems balanced and healthy. Fruit bats like the African straw-coloured fruit bat help grow new forests by spreading seeds and pollinating flowering plants, which supports countless other animals. Healthy bat populations also support food security for people by helping maintain fruit-producing trees and natural habitats.

Did You Know? African straw-coloured fruit bats can have wingspans of over 2½ feet! They are among the few bats that rely more on sight than sound to find food, and their massive colonies can be so large they are visible from miles away.