Blossom Syconycteris australis Megabat (Fruit bat)
Published on May 22, 2013
Blossom the bat recently came into care following a suspected cat attack. Louise Saunders from Bat Conservation & Rescue Queensland took care of little Blossom, who recovered beautifully and was eventually released back into the wild.
Blossom Bats are nectar specialists which feed and groom themselves with the aid of their long tongues. They are known to hover in front of flowers as they forage and are important pollinators of many rainforest plants. A baby at the time of arrival, the little bat was fed a nectar mix recipe and the occasional milk formula. Blossom gradually gained weight and began to practice flying during the night. Often she would dart in and out of rooms and even hover above Louise as she slept before retiringto her little brown bag at dawn.
Blossom bats are currently under threat due to loss of feeding and roosting habitat from clearing of forests for agriculture and housing estates. This Blossom was released on Macleay Island in Qld, Australia.
In over 18 years of bat rescues, Louise has never come across a Blossom Bat. They are the smallest Flying Fox in the world and lead very secret lives.
When asked about Blossom, Louise stated, "It was the best bat experience of my life without a doubt and the decision to release her was a terrible one for me, but it was the right decision for Blossom. With banana, banksia, melaleuca and eucalyptus flowers, and a whole new family to catch up with, I'm sure she won't be missing me like I miss her."
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