On social networks images of a bat almost the size of a person are circling. They are already a viral phenomenon, but they have also raised questions about the veracity of the photos. Is it possible for a bat to grow to the size of a person?
In the publications of these images, the only information provided is that it is a type of bat from the Philippines.
HELL NO pic.twitter.com/bsoIytBYGR
— souli ও playing ebg ???? (@cherkillia) June 25, 2020
It is indeed in that country where the largest type of bat on the planet is found. According to National Geographic magazine, it is the Acerodon jubatus, better known as the flying fox, precisely because of its large dimensions. “It is a megachopter bat of the Pteropodidae family. This species is endemic to the Philippines and is widely distributed, although it is not present in the Palawan region and the islands of the Batanes province,” says the magazine.
Of course, the magazine itself provides important information that casts doubt on the veracity of the photos published. The flying fox can reach 1.5 meters or even in special cases 1.7 in length, that is, the maximum size with its wings extended, not high, as seen in the photos of a person on the side.
@_moontaeilnct got mentioned in this article about a huge ass bat post in the Philippines going viral. NCTZens ruling everywhere yowww. ???????????? https://t.co/g1zDREerDD pic.twitter.com/MIoIhpUmi3
– ????TY???? (@jaljjaeyong) June 29, 2020
Regarding its dimensions, National Geographic states that “it has a wingspan that measures approximately between 1.5 and 1.7 meters. In addition, it has a head and body length of 17.8 to 29 centimeters and a weight of 1 to 1.2 kilograms. “
Following this information, the photo of a bat with a height similar to that of a man is hardly credible, since the largest are around 30 centimeters and in very special cases it has been seen close to 40 centimeters.
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