FAMILY PTEROPODIDAE (OLD WORLD FRUIT BATS)

Identification

Two claws on each wing: one on the thumb and one on the second finger

Large eyes and smaller ears

Tragus absent

Dog-like face and snout

Tail usually absent: if present, very small with no tail membrane

Food

Fruits, nectar, pollen, leaves

Roosts

Trees, palm fronds or leaf tents, eaves of tall buildings, dense foliage, caves

Number of species worldwide: 173

Number of species in Southern Africa: 13

Common fruit bats in KZN