Malagasy Flying Fox Skulls Shrink Since 1980
Researchers link the size decline to selective hunting of larger bats in Madagascar, where the species is hunted for meat.
Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in Wildlife
Researchers from the Field Museum of Natural History found that the skulls of Malagasy flying foxes have become significantly smaller since 1980, while their teeth did not change significantly. The study measured 121 specimens collected over the past 150 years.
Why it matters
The Malagasy flying fox is an important pollinator and seed disperser that feeds mainly on fruit and nectar. Researchers suggest hunters are selectively shooting larger bats because they yield more meat, which could affect the species over time.
The study measured skulls and teeth from 121 specimens collected over 150 years, finding significant skull shrinkage since 1980 but no significant change in teeth. Researchers have not confirmed whether selective hunting alone accounts for the decline.
The players
Field Museum of Natural History
A Chicago-based natural history museum whose researchers conducted the skull and teeth measurements of the Malagasy flying fox specimens.
University of Mauritius
A public university in Mauritius whose ecologist commented on the findings without being involved in the study.
The details
Hunters use nets or shotguns to catch the bats, which are sold for food in markets and restaurants. Hunting is legal in Madagascar from May to September each year, and commercial hunting intensified from the 1980s onward.
Timeline
Commercial hunting of the species intensified from the 1980s onward.
Skull size of the bats became significantly smaller since 1980.
Legal hunting season runs May to September each year in Madagascar.
Wildlife Trend
The study relies on museum specimen collections to track morphological change over 150 years, a method that can reveal hunting pressure on species long before population counts show decline. It places Madagascar's flying foxes within broader concerns about bushmeat harvesting of fruit bats, which pollinate and disperse seeds across the island.
Readers who eat or buy bushmeat should know that hunting pressure on fruit bats can alter the animals that pollinate plants and disperse seeds. The findings highlight that legal hunting seasons may not prevent selective removal of the largest individuals.
The takeaway
Selective hunting can change a species' body size even when overall numbers are not measured, so museum records offer an early warning. Consumers and policymakers can use such evidence to weigh the ecological cost of wild meat harvests.
Further reading
Explore more in our Wildlife section for additional context on species and conservation.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Mongabay.
