A remarkable photograph has emerged, capturing a critically endangered Christmas Island flying fox carrying its pup mid-flight. This is believed to be the first-ever image of its kind, taken by photographer Chris Bray after hours of effort and hundreds of discarded shots. The Christmas Island flying fox is a unique mammal, endemic to the remote territory over 1,500 kilometers off the West Australian coast. With a population of less than 400 in the wild, according to ecologist and bat expert Annabel Dorrestein, these bats are in dire need of protection. The photo holds personal significance for the duo, as they met at the same location where the image was taken. Chris Bray and Dr. Dorrestein share a passion for advocating for bats, which are often maligned. The introduction of feral cats and yellow crazy ants has devastated local wildlife, with four of the five native mammals to the territory going extinct since 1888. The Christmas Island shrew was recently declared extinct after decades without a sighting. The destruction of jungle habitat for phosphate mining is also a contributing factor to the decline of flying fox populations. This photo serves as a reminder of the importance of conservation efforts to protect these unique and endangered species.
