Dec 18, 2024 - Variable Flying Foxes Mating

Lubee Bat Conservancy currently has a breeding program with their Variable Flying Foxes and the bats can be seen mating on the explore.org live camera inside the habitat. The two male Variables that have temporarily been placed inside this habitat are "CAYHA" and "VIGGO". This video begins with the two males on either side of the female. Cayha is on the left with the lighter yellow/orange coloured fur, and Viggo is on the right with the darker colouring. Cayha seems to be more assertive and persistent eventually causing Viggo to lose interest. Cayha makes two mating attempts with the female where he hangs from the top wire mesh and the female wraps her feet around his legs, whereby Cayha is supporting both of their weights. At one point Cayha briefly hangs by one foot but there is a tendon in a bat's foot that acts like a rachet locking mechanism so they don't fall. I have only included the highlights of this mating ritual as the males seem to "court" the females to encourage them to mate and it can go on for quite some time. I hope you enjoy this video. The female Variable Flying Foxes will be given ultrasounds in February to determine how many are pregnant, and will give birth in the Spring 2025.
explore.org live bat cam located at The Lubee Bat Conservancy in Gainesville, Florida, U.S.A.
Link to Mixed Species Flying Fox live cam:
explore.org/li...
Link to Giant Flying Fox live cam:
explore.org/li...