| The big fruit bat is important in forest regeneration because it disperses seeds from the fruits it consumes. Just over three inches in length and weighing under one and half ounces, the fruit bat can be found in western Mexico, Panama, the Caribbean islands, northern Argentina and southern Brazil. It lives in a range of habitats, including dry deciduous, tropical evergreen and cloud forests. The fruit bat's mating system is strongly polygynous. Breeding colonies, or harems, of up to 25 females are defended by a single male. A female produces one young at a time, twice a year. Learn how you can support the big fruit bat by making a donation through Friends of the National Zoo's ADOPT A SPECIES program! Please click here!
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Big Fruit Bat by Jessie Cohen / NZP





