African Fruit Bat Closely Resembles a Dog, Except It Has Wings
Bats usually get described as eerie or mysterious, but this one has people doing a double take for a very different reason. The African fruit bat in question looks so much like a dog that the comparison barely feels like a joke.
It is a real species, not a Photoshop trick, and its unusual face has made it one of the most talked-about bats online. The male specimens are especially striking, with features that make them look oddly canine at first glance.
And once you see it, the resemblance is hard to unsee.
Oh my!
While working on his PhD thesis in 2009 in the lowlands of West Africa, Nesi happened to come across one bat from this species: a Buettikofer's epauletted bat, and it was one of the most impressive he had ever seen. The males of this species have epaulettes of long white hair near their scent glands on their shoulders. They can be pulled back or puffed out; however, they are primarily used to attract potential mates. This also adds to their canine-like features.
He looks like his name could be Hank the Hound Dog, but he's got wings!
While these bats are interesting to look at, to say the least, they are so much more than just an adorable face. Buettikofer's epauletted bats play a vital role in maintaining the balance of ecosystems.
Fruit bats are important because by eating fruit, they spread seeds and help forests regenerate.
They also serve as pollinators in tropical and desert environments.
It’s like the “video game” vibes from these bizarre animals that look straight out of a video game or fantasy movie.
Basically, just as dogs are, these bats are very good boys as well!
Let us know what you thought of this remarkable species.
Did you know they existed before this article?
We want to know!
Want more “real life fantasy” shockers, like animals that look fake? See these 13 animals that look straight out of a fantasy world.
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