In the context to India’s wild life, the flying fox is?

In the context of India’s wildlife, the flying fox refers to a type of bat belonging to the genus Pteropus. These bats are known for their large size compared to other bat species and for their ability to fly long distances. They are fruit-eating bats and play a significant role in pollination and seed dispersal of forest trees and plants.

Flying foxes are found in various parts of India, particularly in forests, wooded areas, and sometimes near human settlements where fruit trees are abundant. They are essential for maintaining the ecological balance in forest ecosystems by contributing to the regeneration of plant species through their feeding habits.

Despite their ecological importance, flying foxes face threats such as habitat loss due to deforestation, hunting, and sometimes conflicts with humans over fruit crops. Conservation efforts aim to protect these bats and their habitats to ensure their continued role in Indian ecosystems.