Fiji flying fox: where and when to see them

Fiji flying fox is used here for Mirimiri acrodonta, also called the Fijian monkey-faced bat, rather than for Fiji’s more widespread fruit bats. It is a rare endemic known from Taveuni and is the sole living species in its genus. Its restricted distribution and dependence on native forest make habitat loss a serious concern. This catalog entry therefore refers to the same species as the supplied Fijian monkey-faced bat key, not a second bat species.

Size

Not reliably established

Weight

Not reliably established

Lifespan

Not reliably established

Status

Critically Endangered

Very little is known about the daily life of this elusive bat. Available records indicate nocturnal activity, unlike the conspicuous daytime flying sometimes shown by other Pacific flying foxes. Its roosting arrangements, social structure and reproductive schedule remain poorly documented. Researchers have encountered it in upland forest, but such records do not establish a predictable public viewing route. Large bats seen over coastal settlements should not automatically be identified as this rare species. The elusive nature of the Fiji flying fox suggests it may exhibit solitary tendencies or maintain very small, inconspicuous roosting groups. Its nocturnal activity pattern further contributes to the challenges of studying its daily movements and social interactions within its dense forest home.

• It is the only living species placed in the genus Mirimiri.
• It was formerly classified with the monkey-faced bats in Pteralopex.
• Confirmed records are restricted to the Fijian island of Taveuni.
• The names Fiji flying fox and Fijian monkey-faced bat can refer to the same species.

No reliable seasonal viewing window has been established for this extremely rare bat. Taveuni’s mountain forests remain wet even when coastal Fiji is relatively dry. Any authorised inland visit should be planned around current trail conditions, local expertise and conservation restrictions. Due to its rarity and specific habitat requirements, there are no established peak viewing seasons; any encounter is considered exceptionally fortunate. Permits for research and conservation activities may be issued year-round, subject to strict environmental conditions.

Confirmed records centre on Taveuni’s upland rainforest, including wet montane and cloud-forest environments. This is not a routine beach or harbour species. Reaching plausible habitat requires a substantial inland excursion, and sensitive research areas may be inaccessible to ordinary visitors. Its range is believed to be restricted to specific high-elevation areas of Taveuni Island, which offers the specialized microclimates this species requires. These isolated forested areas are critical for its survival and are often part of protected natural reserves.

It belongs to the fruit-bat family, and fruit is considered an important food source. However, its wild diet has not been documented well enough to provide a reliable list of food plants or quantify contributions from flowers and other resources. Despite its family classification, the specifics of its foraging behavior and preferred plant species in the wild are still largely unknown. Scientists continue to investigate its feeding ecology to understand its reliance on particular forest resources.

Common name

Fiji flying fox

Scientific name

Mirimiri acrodonta

Animal group

Mammals

Size

Not reliably established

Weight

Not reliably established

Lifespan

Not reliably established

Status

Critically Endangered

Identification

Its orange-toned eyes and distinctive facial and dental features separate it from Fiji’s Pteropus flying foxes, but dependable field identification usually requires specialist evidence. Beyond its distinctive facial characteristics, its overall size and wing structure may also differ subtly from other Pteropus species in Fiji, though these require expert comparison. Confirmed identification often relies on detailed photographic evidence or scientific capture-and-release studies.