Netizens gasped when they caught sight of a strange bat with a dog-like face

Bats, as furry, mammalian denizens of the sky, frequently resemble canines (hence the term “flying fox”). However, this strangely adorable fruit bat bears more than a passing resemblance.

He resembles a dog with wings.

Nicolas Nesi, a postdoctoral research associate at Queen Mary University of London, investigates fruit bat evolution. While working on his PhD thesis in the West African lowlands in 2009, Nesi came across one of the most impressive individuals of this striking species — a Buettikofer’s epauletted bat. This is how nature created them.

“Because this is an adult male specimen, he appears to have a dog head,” Nesi told The Dodo. “Adult males have a large snout and large lips (like a dog’s).”

This species’ males also have epaulettes of long white hair around scent glands on their shoulders that can be puffed out or retracted to attract potential mates. It also contributes to the fluffy dog-like appearance. So much so that people frequently have difficulty believing this bat is real.

“I’ve worked with this species before, so I know what to expect,” Nesi explained. “However, I can see how people might be surprised and claim that it is Photoshopped.”
While these animals are visually stunning, they are more than just a cute face. Buettikofer’s epauletted bats, like all bat species, play an important role in maintaining the balance of their ecosystems.

“Fruit bats are very important because by eating fruit, they spread seeds and thus contribute to forest regeneration,” Nesi explained. “Fruit bats are also important pollinators in tropical and desert environments, as are insect and bird species.”
In other words, just like dogs, this bat is a very good boy.

Bats, as furry, mammalian denizens of the sky, have a vaguely canine-like appearance (hence the term “flying fox”). However, this strangely adorable fruit bat bears more than a passing resemblance.

He resembles a dog with wings.

Bats, as furry, mammalian denizens of the sky, frequently resemble canines (hence the term “flying fox”). However, this strangely adorable fruit bat bears more than a passing resemblance.

He resembles a dog with wings.

Nicolas Nesi, a postdoctoral research associate at Queen Mary University of London, investigates fruit bat evolution. While working on his PhD thesis in the West African lowlands in 2009, Nesi came across one of the most impressive individuals of this striking species — a Buettikofer’s epauletted bat. This is how nature created them.

“Because this is an adult male specimen, he appears to have a dog head,” Nesi told The Dodo. “Adult males have a large snout and large lips (like a dog’s).”

This species’ males also have epaulettes of long white hair around scent glands on their shoulders that can be puffed out or retracted to attract potential mates. It also contributes to the fluffy dog-like appearance. So much so that people frequently have difficulty believing this bat is real.

“I’ve worked with this species before, so I know what to expect,” Nesi explained. “However, I can see how people might be surprised and claim that it is Photoshopped.”
While these animals are visually stunning, they are more than just a cute face. Buettikofer’s epauletted bats, like all bat species, play an important role in maintaining the balance of their ecosystems.

“Fruit bats are very important because by eating fruit, they spread seeds and thus contribute to forest regeneration,” Nesi explained. “Fruit bats are also important pollinators in tropical and desert environments, as are insect and bird species.”
In other words, just like dogs, this bat is a very good boy.

Bats, as furry, mammalian denizens of the sky, have a vaguely canine-like appearance (hence the term “flying fox”). However, this strangely adorable fruit bat bears more than a passing resemblance.

He resembles a dog with wings.

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