By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA — Environmental authorities have documented a rare nursing interaction between an endangered large flying fox and its offspring during a wildlife monitoring activity in Cotabato, providing valuable insight into the species’ reproductive behavior and conservation needs.
The observation was made by personnel of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)-12 through the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) in Matalam during a semestral wildlife monitoring operation conducted from June 2 to 4.
According to DENR officials, the sighting offered an uncommon view of maternal care among large flying foxes (Pteropus vampyrus), one of the country’s endangered bat species. The same monitoring area previously yielded a rare documentation of the species’ mating behavior in November 2025.
Wildlife teams also recorded approximately 25,000 large flying foxes roosting in 39 trees spread across a valley within the monitoring site, underscoring the area’s importance as a critical habitat for the species.
DENR noted that large flying foxes reproduce at a slow rate, typically giving birth to only one pup at a time. Mothers nurse their young for four to six months and carry them during flight in the early stages of development.
The pups feed through a specialized teat located near the mother’s armpit and rely heavily on maternal care for warmth and protection since they are unable to regulate their body temperature during their first weeks of life.
As they mature and gain weight between three and six weeks after birth, the young are often left in communal nursery groups, known as crèches, while their mothers forage for food. Reunions are made possible through distinct high-pitched vocalizations that allow mothers and pups to identify each other among thousands of bats.
Large flying foxes serve a crucial ecological function as pollinators and seed dispersers, helping regenerate forests and maintain biodiversity across extensive landscapes.
However, the species continues to face significant threats from habitat destruction, hunting, and human persecution fueled by concerns over crop damage and disease transmission.
The large flying fox is classified as Endangered under DENR Administrative Order No. 2019-09 and is likewise listed as Endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List.
Environmental authorities emphasized that continued monitoring, habitat protection, and public awareness are essential to ensure the survival of one of the Philippines’ most important and vulnerable wildlife species.
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