According to reports from foreign media, the Flying Fox is the largest bat species in the world. Due to rampant hunting, this species is at risk of extinction. Experts predict that the Flying Fox could become completely extinct within the next six years and remind everyone that urgent solutions are needed to protect this rare animal.
The wingspan of the Flying Fox is approximately 183 cm. In Malaysia and some Southeast Asian countries, local people believe it has medicinal properties, leading to the hunting of Flying Foxes for food. However, from the perspective of scientists, the Flying Fox plays a crucial role in pollinating tropical rainforest ecosystems.
Researchers conducted investigations across 33 habitats, comparing the number of Flying Foxes to the hunting permits issued by the Malaysian government. They discovered that approximately 22,000 Flying Foxes are legally hunted each year in Peninsular Malaysia, while the number of illegally hunted individuals is difficult to quantify. The researchers utilized satellites to track the movements of the Flying Fox, finding that they primarily inhabit regions spanning several hundred kilometers in Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand.
Currently, in Malaysia, it is generally legal to hunt this bat species, with the exception of Sarawak and Borneo where such activities are prohibited.
According to relevant data, the actual number of Flying Foxes is challenging to determine, with the most optimistic estimate suggesting only 500,000 remain. If the current rate continues, this species could only exist on Earth for a minimum of six years and a maximum of 81 years.
Dr. Jonathan Epstein, a veterinarian from the Wildlife Trust, is the co-leader of this research project. He stated, “The statistical data shows that from 2002 to 2005, hunting activities in Malaysia have adversely affected the sustainability of the Flying Fox population, which is now at risk of extinction. If illegal hunting continues, the Flying Fox will disappear from the Earth even faster.”
