Madagascar's giant flying foxes appear to be shrinking, with human hunting suspected

Summary

A new study of museum specimens of Madagascar's flying foxes, the island's giant bats, suggests the animals have become smaller over about 150 years. Researchers measured 121 specimens and found a significant decline in size that coincided with the rise of commercial hunting. Scientists suggest hunting by humans is to blame.

Timeline

1. Smithsonian Magazine

   30 Oct 2026, 19:13 UTCSource ↗

   Smithsonian Magazine reports that researchers measured 121 museum specimens of Madagascar's flying foxes spanning 150 years and found a significant decline in size, right when commercial hunting ramped up, and scientists suggest human hunting is to blame.