Bats, Flying Mammals

The only flying mammals, bats (or chiroptera, meaning "winged hands") feed mainly on fruit and insects, with the exception of three species commonly known as "vampire" bats living in South America, which are hematophagous (animal blood). There are over a thousand species of bats, among which the Malayan fruit bat stands out for its impressive wingspan, which can reach 1.5 meters. Each female gives birth to only one young per year with a lifespan of up to 40 years.