Pteropus
Pteropus
Pteropus (pronounced: ter-o-pus), also known as the flying foxes or fruit bats, is a genus of bats which are among the largest in the world. They are native to tropical regions of Asia, Australia, East Africa, and some oceanic islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans.
Etymology
The term Pteropus is derived from the Greek words 'ptero' meaning wing and 'pus' meaning foot, referring to the bat's webbed feet which form its wings.
Description
Pteropus are characterized by their long wings and short ears. They have a keen sense of smell and are known for their ability to fly long distances. Unlike other bats, they are not echolocating and rely on their sight to navigate.
Diet
Pteropus are frugivorous or nectarivorous, i.e., they eat fruits or lick nectar from flowers. This diet makes them important seed dispersers and pollinators, thus playing a crucial role in maintaining the health of tropical rainforests.
Species
There are about 60 species of Pteropus bats, including the Large Flying Fox and the Rodrigues Flying Fox.
Health and Disease
Pteropus are known to be carriers of several viruses that can be transmitted to humans, including the Nipah virus and Hendra virus. However, they are not directly harmful to humans unless provoked.
Conservation
Many species of Pteropus are threatened by habitat loss and hunting. They are protected under the CITES agreement.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Pteropus
- Wikipedia's article - Pteropus
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