Galapagos Red Bat

Essential Information on the Galapagos Red Bat

The Galápagos Red Bat is a subspecies of the Southern Red Bat, which inhabits North and South America. Unlike their counterparts elsewhere that migrate for the winter, the Galápagos Red Bat is believed to remain on the islands year-round. Scientific research on these bats in the Galápagos is limited, leaving many of their behaviors still unknown.

Compared to the Hoary Bat, the Galápagos Red Bat is notably smaller. It features a short, blunt head, rounded ears, and a tail membrane covered in thick, bright orange fur on the lower back. These bats are known for flying close to the ground with rapid wing beats.

Typically, Red Bats roost under leaves in forests, hanging upside down, wrapping themselves in their wings to blend in. Like most bats, they are nocturnal and use echolocation to hunt for flying insects such as cicadas, moths, and flies.

Due to limited research, the full extent of the Galápagos Red Bat's range is unclear, but they are currently thought to live only on Santa Cruz and San Cristobal Islands. Since these islands are inhabited, they offer the best opportunity to spot these bats, particularly around streetlights where they catch insects drawn to the artificial light.

If you stay overnight on San Cristobal or Santa Cruz before or after a cruise, you might have a chance to see these bats while walking in the evenings.

Interesting facts

• Red Bats often hang upside down by one foot from trees, mimicking leaves to evade predators.
• Female Red Bats can give birth to as many as 4 pups at once.
• Young Red Bats can't fly until they're about 6 weeks old, so their mothers carry them during this period.
• If you encounter a Red Bat on the ground, avoid touching it as they may bite, potentially causing infection.