24/07/2026
For the past few mornings we’ve noticed piles of palm seeds beneath the same tree. It was clear that something had been enjoying the fruit, but it definitely wasn’t droppings. At first we suspected a Thick-tailed Bushbaby, but last night we finally solved the mystery—it was fruit bats!
From what we could see, they appear to be Peters’s Epauletted Fruit Bats (Epomophorus crypturus). What a wonderful surprise, and such a privilege to watch these fascinating visitors. We hope they’ll stay with us for a while.
These fruit bats are completely harmless to people and play an important role in nature. They feed mainly on ripe fruit, nectar, and flowers, helping to disperse seeds and pollinate many indigenous plants. Their excellent sense of smell helps them locate fruit after dark, making them valuable nighttime gardeners of the African bush.
Nature always has a way of surprising us, and we’re grateful to share our little corner of the world with such amazing wildlife. 🦇🌴✨