Taiwan's First Endangered Formosan Fruit Bat "Fu Bao" Found Dead, Suspectedly Preyed Upon by Raptors Less Than a Month After Release

In a landmark case, "Fu-Bao", a Formosan fruit bat (Pteropus dasymallus formosus) from Hualien, was rescued and cared for before being released into the wild. This marked the first such effort in Taiwan. After over 200 days of nurturing, Fu-Bao was released on December 12th, but recent findings suggest a tragic end.

The Formosan fruit bat is a critically endangered species. "Fu-Bao" was found orphaned at just two weeks old in April and taken to the Eastern Wildlife Rescue Center in Taitung County.

A comprehensive care and release plan was developed in collaboration with wildlife experts. Following months of dedicated care, Fu-Bao was released. However, the GPS transmitter detached, leading to the discovery of remains and suspicion of a raptor attack.

The Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency expressed regret, highlighting the valuable experience gained during the 229-day care period. Tracking data showed initial signs of successful adaptation, with Fu-Bao roosting and feeding independently.

Despite efforts to protect Fu-Bao, the discovery of scattered remains indicated a likely predation event. The Hualien Branch believes that Fu-Bao died before the 5th of December.

The Hualien Branch acknowledged the unfortunate end to Fu-Bao's journey. The agency also emphasized the importance of the insights gained for future conservation efforts, expressing gratitude to the experts and the public for their support. This experience contributes to understanding the risks faced by Formosan fruit bats in the wild, aiding in more successful release strategies in the future.