Vespertilio vampirus niger Kerr, 1792[2] The Mauritian flying fox (Pteropus niger), also known as Greater Mascarene flying fox or Mauritius fruit bat is a large megabat species endemic to Mauritius and La Réunion.

[citation needed] The Mauritian flying fox can reach a wingspan of 80 cm (31 in), making it the largest endemic mammal on Mauritius.

[3] It is a medium-sized species; the adult forearm length averages 152 mm, with no difference between males and females.

[6] Individuals of the Mauritian flying fox roost in large groups and are active at dusk and dawn.

While little evidence supported P. niger as valuable in the pollination process, its role as a seed dispenser is important to the survival of many species of plant life on Mauritius.

[4] It occurs in the forests within the national parks of Black River Gorges, Combo and Bel Ombre.

Currently, the population is regarded as declining by the IUCN;[1] however, in September 2006, the Government of Mauritius decided to initiate culling of animals.

Widespread anger and protest among fruit farmers erupted, leading Parliament to approve the culling of 20,000 bats by the Special Mobile Force.