Yishun Bats Sighted In Early June Are Malayan Flying Foxes
Earlier this week, a flock of bats were spotted along Seletar Expressway (SLE) near Yishun, drawing comparisons to Gotham City — the birthplace of Batman.
But you may be wondering if bat sightings are common in Singapore, given that there aren’t many naturally occurring cave-dwellings for them to hang out in.
Many also wonder if they need to fear these creatures who’ve borne a bad rep for being carriers of zoonotic pathogens or fictional associations with mythical beings like vampires.
Here’s all you need to know about the majestic breed of bats gracing our skies & why they pose no threats to an average citizen.
Malayan Flying Foxes grace Singapore’s skies
Bats sighted in Yishun recently are probably of the Malayan Flying Fox variety — flocks of which have been known to roost in Singapore temporarily, shares Ms Sabrina Jabbar on Facebook.
They’re commonly seen pollinating fruit trees – including durian trees – and have not been observed locally since 2016.
The species isn’t considered a native animal as it usually visits from “neighbouring areas” such as Johor or Riau Islands.
After foraging for food, flocks will return to their home roosts, often crossing large distances to seek sustenance.
Bat sightings rare as natural habitats are diminished
With the gradual degradation of their habitats, these bat sightings in Singapore are considered rare as the species adapts to the demands of the concrete jungle.
During the fruiting season, however, it’s plausible that with lower human traffic, flocks of bats have emerged to explore nature in Singapore once again.
We’re glad that some Yishun residents may have caught a glimpse of these beautiful creatures, but others are worried about catching viruses from bats in particular — thanks in part to SARS-linked origins to a horseshoe bat species in China.
No SARS-like or MERS-like viruses detected in these bats
For Covid-19 in particular, an NGO in Malaysia has explicitly stated that there remains no hard evidence that the coronavirus was spread via Malayan fruit bat colonies.
You can read more on their advisory here, but neither SARS-like viruses nor MERS-like viruses have been detected in regional fruit bats.
In other words, citizens in Singapore should observe these flocks from a distance and not harm them upon sighting the creatures.
Singapore’s own Gotham City
Unlike the fearsome creatures that flit about the dark, grungy streets of Gotham City, Yishun’s rare bat sighting has definitely lifted our spirits.
Thankfully, we can also rest assured that these animals are just foraging & pollinating fruit trees in the area.
Have you spotted any bizarre animal sightings as nature returns to our heartlands? We’d love to hear your stories in the comments below.
Featured image adapted from Facebook.
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