Species profile
About this species
The Madagascar flying fox is a large fruit bat endemic to Madagascar, with a wingspan that can reach up to 1.4 metres. It has a distinctive reddish-brown mantle around its shoulders & neck, contrasting with its darker body. This species is highly social, roosting in large colonies in trees & playing a vital role in pollination & seed dispersal across Madagascan forests.
Madagascar flying foxes inhabit tropical & subtropical dry forests, coastal forests & mangroves across Madagascar, roosting communally in tall trees & foraging across a wide range of fruiting & flowering vegetation.
Where to photograph
Where our trips feature this species
You can photograph Madagascar flying fox with us in Madagascar.
These departures are part of our Africa programme.
In the field, David Miles helps guests make the most of these encounters.
Field notes
Photography notes
Dusk & dawn offer the best light & activity, particularly during the dry season from April to October when colonies are most stable & accessible.
Position yourself near large roosting trees at dusk to capture the dramatic mass departure of the colony against the fading sky. Use a fast shutter speed of at least 1/1000s to freeze the motion of individual bats in flight & reduce blur. A telephoto lens of 400mm or more will allow you to capture close detail without disturbing the roost colony.
Available holidays
Trips featuring Madagascar flying fox
The holidays below are pulled from the same species relationship, so the guide stays tied to live departures rather than becoming a static article.