2013 UN Geneva Endangered Species

2013 U.N. Endangered Species
Geneva Office

The 21st set in the United Nations Endangered Species Series focuses on nocturnal animals in danger of extinction.  The Geneva stamps illustrate the Ground Pangolin, Potto, Philippine tarsier, and Livingstone’s flying fox. 

Livingstone’s flying fox, or the Comoro black flying fox, is the largest bat in the world and lives on only two islands in the Comoro chain off the southeast coast of Africa.  Unlike many bats, Livingstone’s flying fox relies on its keen vision for navigation.  It is predominantly a fruit bat, consuming the juice of the fruit it finds and spitting out the pulp and seeds.  It will also eat nectar and leaves when fruit is scarce.  Deforestation on the islands has decimated the population.  Some reports estimate only about 400 flying foxes are left.