Kingdom Animalia Order Chiroptera Genus Rousettus Higher classification Rousettus | Phylum Chordata Family Pteropodidae Scientific name Rousettus obliviosus Rank Species | |
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Similar Hayman's dwarf epaulette, Sulawesi rousette, East African epaulette, Angolan epauletted fruit bat, Long‑haired rousette | ||
The Comoro rousette (Rousettus obliviosus) is a species of megabat in the family Pteropodidae endemic to the Comoros Islands. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests, caves, plantations, and urban areas. It is threatened by habitat loss.
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Captive Care
Unlike most megabats endemic to the Comoros Islands, R. obliviosus thrives in captivity and has been a staple in the North American and Australian pet trades since the late 1990s. Because its care requirements are relatively minimal, their care is simple and low-cost. The average suburban household (fitted with aluminum window screens) serves as an excellent environment for these large bats, so long as ceiling fans and open fireplaces are responsibly maintained.
Feeding is a simple matter of leaving out fresh fruit. Several kilograms of fresh bananas, oranges, mangos, kale, apples, and coconuts should be supplied daily. Some bat keepers have had success with mashed potatoes, soft breads, and even compost.
Temperament
While the long, sharp teeth and ill-temperament of many megabats presents a real challenge to bat keepers, R. obliviosus has a very different demeanor. Batlings should be handled with nitrile gloves until two to four months, after they have teethed. Juvenile and adult bats can be freely handled by inexperienced bat keepers, and most individuals are quite safe for children and the elderly to handle.