Grey Headed Flying Foxes - Slowmotion and dipping behaviour

Instagram @lerako - / lerako - During heat events, grey-headed flying foxes (Pteropus poliocephalus) cannot cool down enough by only flapping their wings and they fly down to the nearest river to belly dip in order to do so (and proceed to drink the water of their fur as well). An incredible spectacle. Flying-foxes are an important part of our ecosystems by dispersing seeds far and wide.
Thank you, everyone, who helped me with this video and their supports for our incredible flying-foxes.
Filmed by Nicolas Rakotopare on the Canon 1DX mk2. Follow me on social media for more wildlife, science and travel content:
► Twitter - / le_rako
► Blog/Website - www.lerako.net
► FaceBook - / nicolasrakotoparephoto...
#greyheadedflyingfox #bats #flyingfox

[@nanaprn7809]

What an incredible sight. I cannot imagine that anyone would press the dislike button for this unbelievable gift.

[@LERAKO]

That's okay, the overwhelming amount of likes shows that more people care ♥️

[@mistiezell6466]

That duck was like "Bloody Showoff"

[@LERAKO]

hahaha yes!

[@rachelmebberson4300]

I love the shot of all of them roosting and just a single bat flies through!! so good:)

[@LERAKO]

yesss

[@Richard-Vlk]

1:59

[@rlocatellidigital]

Masterpieces of Mother Nature!

[@PetaHewitt]

This probably the best footage I have ever seen of flying foxes on the wing, including big budget wildlife programs. Thank you for sharing this. There is a colony of these beautiful grey faces near where I live in Victoria. I visit it sometimes and I hear them and see them flying overhead when I go walking in the late evening. There are less than 1% of this species left in the wild from their pre European colonization numbers. I have heard experts believe that they will be functionally extinct by 2050.

[@Ficey63]

All very sad and true facts Peta :( There are several volunteer groups around Australia and we do our best to try and save these beautiful beasties but with soaring temperatures becoming more common, it gets harder and harder every year. Up in far north QLD, carers are struggling with over 900 orphans from the massive heat even a few months ago, and down on the southern end, we have a couple of hundred in care. FNQ lost 1/3 of their spectacled flying fox population in the heat even, and VIC/SA lost about 6-9k bats last week :( The importance of these bats as Australia's only long distance pollinator can't be understated

[@itsokaytobeclownpilled5937]

It's not from European colonization. It's from letting sh-tholers into our European colonies and being forced to build to accommodate sh-tholers. Oust sh-tholers, population shrinks, Batties survive.

[@kvltizt]

@@itsokaytobeclownpilled5937 That doesn't sound very scientific.

[@sislertx]

Please please please.educate people.about the slice and dice.netting..make them.remove it....and visit meggabattie channel

[@theippster8891]

Butter Johnson lol

[@TheSharron]

Absolutely beautiful...I didn’t know bats liked to wing/body dip,in lakes.They are so graceful.

[@mcbillygoat]

The way they tea bag the water is so graceful.

[@mariannelebris1424]

Magnifique ! Slow-motion does justice to the elegance of their flight.

[@LERAKO]

It sure does, thanks!

[@samuelmassicotte9645]

Look at owls if you wanna see an elegant flight

[@edytaniedzwiedz2087]

Hsueueie727373

[@Ownyx]

Amazing video! So awesome seeing them belly slide through the water 😂. Poor things ... I wish people would educate themselves on these wonderful creatures! They're not evil

[@JohnCena-ie4ib]

No shit

[@theippster8891]

Ownyx Check out the channel 'Megabattie' of the care and release of rescue bats, mostly flying foxes. It would be hard to harbour ill will for these creatures after watching a few of their vids. In particular, 'Walter' the resident most elderly bat is a PR dream for this amazing species 🦇

[@backto21st88]

They clean body

[@glamdolly30]

Majestic, highly intelligent and magical animals. Australia are privileged to share their home with these creatures and yet they don't recognise that privilege at all. Shame on them! I pray they won't become extinct and salute the wonderful, skilled rescuers and carers like KZbin's glorious 'Megabattie'. BRAVO!

[@urbnctrl]

From the Maluku islands on the northcoast of Australia. We hold these creatures in high regard. They were even part of our ancestors history as guiding them to find new cultivating rich islands.

[@davidgargiulo1012]

Great soundtrack and you made the bats look like the dignified creatures they are. Australlians love wild life, or so I think, I'm hoping they and all of us can find a balance to these wonderful animals can continue to enhance our planet.

[@MadderMel]

Inquisitive , intelligent , curious , mischievous , peaceable little characters ! All with their own little personalities !

[@diannadiatz1140]

I had watched this lovely film before. Just saw a sad video on Megabattie, of a beautiful gray-headed flying fox named Kelli, whose wings were in shreds. Australia doesn't seem to have a bat sanctuary like one in Texas, so this young girl was euthenized. Your film really shows the gracefulness of these flying foxes, and how amazing they are. Educating the public and press about the value of these amazing animals is part of the solution to saving this species. A bat sanctuary would be a safe place for injured and healthy bats, a center for education and tourism. May you continue to thrive as a wildlife photographer and create inspiring films. Best wishes, Dianna and Grayson (my cat peering over my shoulder) Maryland, US

[@laca907]

I love Megabattie's channel

[@greystone2594]

Animals I've been scared of all of my life presented in such an elegant, beautiful way. Well done!

[@ashtondillard6214]

Bats are cute wym

[@kingofthesands]

@@ashtondillard6214 They are terrifying! Yes their faces are cute but their wingspan is so unnatural. They resemble flying demons bruh

[@MapleStarBlitz]

@@kingofthesands 😂😂😂

[@SAGHE]

@@kingofthesands They do, also they can make you get sick.

[@Bibiana862]

why are you scared of bats are you insect or fruit?

[@gwangnosis2153]

They are so beautiful and magnificient.💖 I'm crying.

[@samuelpierce4686]

Australia you are fortunate to have such a beautiful creature. In the states we have small bats, but nothing in comparison those beauties.

[@ragnarocking]

Though the population of those small bats (estimated to be in the tens of millions) is the largest in the world. Parts of Texas actually hold a yearly festival in their honor. They literally eat tons of insects per night; saving crop farmers a fortune.

[@DerpypawsProductions]

So friggin cool. Just a bunch of awesome bats doing their thing in the middle of the day

[@BatusiNights]

Holy crap this is amazing. Incredible capture and beautiful editing. Sharing everywhere I can - I hope more people see this. I think I've burnt a hole in my monitor at 2:30 - That focus!

[@LERAKO]

Thank you so much! The manual focus was very tough indeed 😁😁

[@rebeccalucas6063]

It's georgous isn't it? I was going to suggest this video to you and Meg.

[@rebeccalucas6063]

@@LERAKO Thank you, it was beautiful and graceful footage! 🦇

[@BatusiNights]

I'm in awe.

[@BatusiNights]

Yes Rebecca it is! I first saw it shared on Batzilla's page; I think Meg has already shared it too :)

[@kristabehymer3089]

So beautiful!

[@LERAKO]

Yes they are so beautiful :)) !

[@mdhelal6483]

Beautiful

[@ThatDudeWithBoobs]

My roommate has been wanting to visit Australia for years because he adores cockatiels. Now, I have a reason to join him, for these beauties.

[@elovingrosepsychic6771]

Thank you so much for sharing this with us! It's stunning...

[@LERAKO]

You are welcome!

[@judahmourn3690]

Majestic

[@billwilde948]

One of the most beautiful things I've ever seen. Amazing creatures!

[@scotcornelius3295]

Absolutely beautiful. it's sad to think we're taking their habitat.

[@timriecken5453]

Bats are absolutely amazing. I love them.

[@ausj9]

Fabulous capture! Thank you for sharing!

[@LERAKO]

Thank you for watching!

[@Patchwork_Dragon]

It's sad that some people think of them as pests.. If it weren't for these bats those people wouldn't have their bloody fruit trees that they hog from the wildlife

[@GetUnwoke]

and they're so cute too

[@hoticeparty]

@@GetUnwoke thats part of the problem with us, we think animals are cute and want to have them. Look what we do to dogs, we breed them to be cuter ignoring the consequences to thier health. Like pugs fir example cant even breath it sounds so hard for them but were just like ' "Aaaawww its cute lil face" :(((

[@Oona707]

They're so important for fertilization of the plants and trees...so important. Not pests! The people have to learn to live with them just like they're learning how to live with people.

[@batastrophic9762]

I'm still a little salty that we drove a few colonies out of Sydney

[@CatsBirds2010]

I agree.

[@boyandcatmum]

I absolutely love flying Foxes I couldn't imagine a world without them 😢

[@merk9569]

OMG! I found your channel because of this flying fox video but am a subscriber because of it and your other films. Thanks for making Australian wildlife accessible to people who have no hope of seeing it in the flesh. Many blessings.

[@sassiebrat]

Great video and magnificent creatures! Thank God for them!

[@maryaberilla9532]

How beautiful in slow motion🦇🦇🦇🦇🦇🦇🦇🦇🦇🦇Thanks👍

[@SJ-cc6fp]

I’m obsessed! I saw a colony in Bairnsdale and was in absolute awe. They are incredible creatures.

[@ChefMimsy]

Nice shot, too, of the invasive species commonly known as the hairless 2-legged runner.

[@LERAKO]

haha!

[@katienovota8870]

So rare to see one in the wild

[@tiffanytrippeer5401]

🤣

[@ryno4ever433]

I fucking hate those guys

[@mariadelacruz1153]

Thats harsh lol

[@rosesperfumelace]

They are beautiful amazing precious creatures. 💖

[@dianaking2172]

They are so beautiful and graceful in flight!

[@inespaschoarelli1287]

They are beautiful.

[@Pengalen]

They are so beautiful.

[@showebears]

Beautiful and moving

[@KCNwokoye]

Must be amazing to be able to fly so freely!

[@slister45]

How incredibly amazing Creation is! Such an endearing little critter are your flying foxes. Here in upstate NY, I am well-enough privileged to care for my little birds and grey squirrels. The only time I've ever handled a bat is when I rescued two tiny babies from my cats (with gloves, of course). Animal Control took them away and scolded me after double-checking with my vet to make sure I was telling the truth about my cats being vaccinated for rabies. It was fun while it lasted. I thought they were sweet, fascinating little things.

[@Loki-hy6px]

god these creatures are so beautiful. i just can't understand why so many people dislike them, their wings are so beautiful and their faces are so cute, and they look so cool.

[@StoryoftheEye]

Lugosi heaven, adorning the sky! 🖤🦇

[@user-he4vf4oh9k]

🧘🏻‍♀️🦇👍❤🥰

[@DerAua]

Pure beauty.

[@TrichordoKostas]

This is killer footage. It's so cool that they've migrated here, crazy that in 2010 a species is expanding its range here :) love to see it. I went to uni here, used to love going and seeing the bats down by the zoo in the big fig trees

[@CristinaF210]

They're magnificent, please help them everybody together can help them thrive 😘

[@christinebadagliacco8972]

That was amazing. Thanks so much for sharing this. Hopefully it’ll help people realize that bats are needed and not pests. 🦇🦇🦇

[@donnat4399]

Amazing!! My bucket list has been reactivated...ADELAIDE 2020!!

[@LERAKO]

It's a great place to see them for sure !!

[@lisadalessandro3396]

fascinating creatures iv never seen anything like this, anywhere. thanks.

[@LERAKO]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@TKDKickChick45]

WOW! Incredible shots in this video. I love flying foxes! Well done and I hope and pray this species makes it. They are beautiful and amazing creatures! Thanks for the video.

[@lucieni]

Amazing! We only have microbats here in the U.K. and they are amazing too! I love to sit out in the evenings having them flying over my head catching flying insects.....

[@anzaeria]

Awesome! We have micro bats in Adelaide, South Australia too. There was one flying above my heard inside the bathroom not long ago.

[@lucieni]

@@anzaeria Can’t say I’ve ever had one in my house!! What happened? How did you get it back outside?!!

[@anzaeria]

Oh, no need to escort it outside because it lives in here! It's a combined storage room with bathroom with dark recesses. It also looks like there may be access to a cavity on the other side of the wall (too small for a person but fine for a bat to get through.) Most of the time, you don't see this bat but once in a while at night, he/she emerges from the darkness and flies in circles around the room. Then disappears again. There used to be netting around the ceiling in this room and there would be a bat hanging from the net upside down (not far from the door.) So that one would be instantly visible when you walk in the room. Though once again - only seen at night. It was very sensitive to sound. If you made any kind of noise like a cough, it would turn it's head and look right at you. @@lucieni

[@pnmnick]

Wow. Great footage. Incredible creatures

[@LERAKO]

Thank you !

[@bshingledecker]

Megabattie would approve. Wonderful camera work, Beautiful animals.

[@Nihilanth]

aww look at those beautiful baby wyverns

[@earthstar4947]

I will never stop loving to watch this.

[@brendaeberwein8338]

They are beautiful also in flight. 🥰🥰🥰❤❤❤

[@bonniel.2828]

omg.. they are so beautiful in flight and so adorable with their little fox faces and intelligent eyes. Bless the person who did this video and put it to music. Thank you.

[@denilsonoliveira621]

They are so beautiful. I love to see them flying.

[@cecivsalazar1]

We need to coexist!!! These are beautiful and important animals!!!

[@wildflower1397]

Omg... this is stunningly beautiful! By far the best belly dipping video I have ever seen. I love flying foxes, and this video makes my heart sing. ❤

[@paulg3336]

Beautiful and fascinating creatures

[@GeoffReidNZ]

This is FANTASTIC!!

[@LERAKO]

You are fantastic!

[@guinefortCH]

What a magnificent animal - and video!

[@LERAKO]

thank you !

[@dianawoods8779]

Oh to be free and to fly! It must feel good to be with friends and fly into the water 😃

[@diegocigala9514]

They are stunning!

[@fibelbs]

the best video I have ever seen in slow motion , these bats are amazing

[@Gavryha2018]

Это удивительно!!!!!!! Чудо!!!!!!!!!!!

[@levilang1997]

You know theres someone in that neighborhood that definitely themed their home out of this wild daily experience.

[@mpaws]

Beautiful animals.

[@peterestment4126]

Excellent footage 👌

[@LERAKO]

Thank you! Challenging to capture :) !

[@graedot]

This is amazing. What a fascinating creature to watch. Thank you.

[@ashraflone2937]

Hi Wow look sexy and beautiful Same flying foxs

[@stephenmuller5098]

Excellent capture, never seen that behaviour when passing that area, even on a hot day. Thank you for capturing the moment.

[@brendatrujillo2666]

Lovely creatures

[@dudeivealreadydonethis5tim289]

I love them!

[@ricobustamante5633]

This video made me happy!

[@ricardoquasu6922]

Thank you for wonderful footage and comments! Education and awareness is the way to protect the little that remains from the wild world.

[@elijahglasser1421]

Very cool and gorgeous big bats

[@kaycampbell8532]

Beautiful footage. To me it looks like they're cleaning themselves when they dip in the water. They do pee on themselves when hanging upside down. They truly are fascinating creatures.

[@rebeccahopkins9522]

They are so beautiful!!! They really look like foxes with wings. Yet they are graceful, elegant flyers and, unlike their equally beautiful namesake, they are harmless to other animals. Yes HARMLESS. They eat only fruit. And are important to the ecosystem in that they disperse seeds for regrowth of fruit trees. They are magnificent animals.

[@ulrikecanada]

Wow amazing

[@LERAKO]

yes they are !!

[@lifecloud2]

I love this. Such amazing, magnificent animals!

[@animalobsessed1]

I wish I could go see these animals in person. They are so beautiful.

[@theresavandever1387]

That was so beautiful to watch.

[@wildlifegardenssydney7492]

Truely fantastic footage……and information…….thank you so much

[@ChiefRedEarth]

WOW! WOW..so beautiful shots.

[@Laura-tp8wz]

Beautiful!

[@jimcrawford5039]

They can dip in safety here down south, not like up north where the run the gauntlet of crocs. Great video!

[@LERAKO]

Indeed! I love watching the sequences from up north! Thanks for stopping by!

[@annaseabreeze6987]

breathtaking!

[@glocho9574]

That's sadisfying

[@WayneLeng]

Absolutely Beautiful!

[@annbell6453]

This was a beautiful video, and the slow motion really helped.

[@tantan5746]

Wow this was most beautiful video that i have seen about bats. And how they fly. 🦇

[@psychedeliccarrie5921]

Air doggos are mighty ripe this year

[@craiggreerphotos]

Awesome video and great information mate :)

[@LERAKO]

thanks mate !

[@ukmedicfrcs]

So beautiful..fly free night angels.

[@anzaeria]

Amazing footage. That slow motion was poetry in motion. I was in Adelaide recently shooting stills and footage of the flying foxes with a Panasonic G7 and several lenses.

[@mairafavela4954]

That is so cool to watch! 😊❤

[@johnmorton7202]

The shot when he got really close to the duck and the duck was chilling I was like oh yeah that cool

[@LERAKO]

I stopped breathing for a second when filming it !

[@gaellegarcin401]

Amazing !

[@LERAKO]

Thanks!

[@survivor648]

Great video very informative and high quality resolution you can even here some of the water sounds thanks for posting!

[@TheIndulged1]

Beautiful it brings me back to seeing them in Australia, just relaxing by a creek watching them fly, it was an amazing sight, later that evening got a huntsman spider in my tent, left it to kill mosquitos he must have left in the nigjt, my wife wasn't happy about it and asked me to get rid of it, I said it would leave her alone and it did but for peace I gently nudged it out.