Science

The Secret Life Of Bats. Species From Three Continents Have Made Their Home In Israeli Bunkers

The large flying fox (Pteropus vampyrus), also known as the flying dog or flying fox, is one of the largest bat species (wingspan reaching 1.5 metres, weight up to one kilogram). It inhabits Southeast Asia and feeds on fruit, nectar, and pollen // Claude Balcaen / Biosphoto / AFP / East News

Eran Levin, zoologist: Mouse-tailed bats would make ideal pets. They are clean, smell wonderfully of fruit, don't take up any space because they hang from the ceiling, like people, and can be trained just like dogs.

By Maria Hawranek and Eran Levin

Maria Hawranek: I was surprised to learn that bats are so diverse and account for one-fifth of all known mammal species.

Eran Levin: It is the second-largest group of mammals after rodents. Their name means ‘flying mouse’ in many languages, but they have little in common with rodents. They are related to predators and ungulates, such as pigs and cows.

We know over 1,500 species that live in all ecosystems except the Arctic. Traditionally, they were divided into bats that feed on fruit and those that consume animal protein, although they also eat nectar, pollen and even blood. Fruit-eating bats can weigh up to half a kilogram and have a wingspan of two metres. Insectivores include the so-called microbats. The world’s smallest bat, the Kitti's hog-nosed bat, lives in Thailand and weighs about 2 grams – it is the size of a bumblebee.

What species live in Israel?

Mostly carnivorous ones, with just one species that feeds on fruit: the Egyptian fruit bat. It is easy to come across it in any city. People plant lots of tropical trees that bear fruit all year round, so the Egyptian fruit bats have plenty of food. They are a bit like a plague.

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