Spectacled Flying Fox

Pteropus conspicillatus

Average

The **Spectacled Flying Fox** (*Pteropus conspicillatus)* is a large Australasian bat featured in the Oceania Pack DLC for *Planet Zoo*.

## Zoopedia Description

### General

**Population In Wild:** Estimated 44,000 in Australia, unknown in other locations

The spectacled flying fox (or Pteropus conspicillatus) is a species of megabat that lives in the tropical rainforests and mangroves of New Guinea, as well as Northern Queensland in Australia. The spectacled flying fox is covered in black fur, with yellow-white coloration around the neck, scalp, and eyes, which gives it the appearance of wearing spectacles. It has large, black wings, pointed ears, and big round eyes. Its snout is long and ends in a blunt nose. It has an average body length of 8.7in to 9.8in, and a wingspan of up to 31in, and weighs between 1.1lb and 2.2lb.

Due to habitat loss, climate change related factors, and urban development, the spectacled flying fox is considered Endangered. They are viewed as pests by farmers due to their frugivorous nature, which leads to their roosts being destroyed, and individuals being shot.

### Social needs

Spectacled flying foxes live in large groups in the wild, but group dynamics are constantly in flux. Dominant males and their choice of mates tend to roost at higher points in the colony.

### Reproduction

During April and May, male spectacled flying foxes select an area in the roost – the more dominant the male, the higher up the area will be –  to gain a better oversight of females. Males approach females to check if they are in estrus, and if so, attempt to mate with them. Females are more likely to accept a male’s advances if his territory is high up in the roost. Copulation takes place hanging upside down from a branch.

The mother gives birth to 1 pup following a pregnancy of 5 months. It will cling to its mother and is carried around on her body exclusively for the first 6 weeks of its life. At this age, it will then be strong enough to hang in the roost by itself, where it remains while the mother goes to forage. Weaning begins at 4 months old and is complete when the pup is 8 months old.

Female spectacled flying foxes reach sexual maturity at 2 years old, while males will be sexually mature a year later.

## Animal care

 HABITAT ENRICHMENT
Nectar Feeder · Bat Box · Water Dish · Fruit Skewer · Apple Rope · Perch Box · Perch Frame · Perch Rope

## Trivia

### Zoopedia Fun Facts

* Spectacled flying fox colonies of up to 50,000 individuals have been recorded on occasion.
* Spectacled flying foxes are extremely social and are known to get depressed or aggressive when kept alone.
* Spectacled flying foxes are important seed dispersers, with a single bat capable of dispersing 60,000 seeds in one night.
* Unlike other bat species, spectacled flying foxes have excellent eyesight.
* Non-pregnant spectacled flying fox females will surround the pregnant females to protect them. They will also assist pregnant females by providing them with food.

## Gallery

First reveal of the Spectacled Flying Fox in the Oceania Pack announcement video
## Trivia

* This is the second bat species added to the game, the first being the Egyptian Fruit Bat.