CHRISTMAS ISLAND FLYING FOX (Pteropus natalis)

hristmas Island, best known for its annual red crab migration, is considered the “Galapagos of the Indian Ocean” for its rich and unique biodiversity. However, since settlement in 1888, Christmas Island’s biodiversity has undergone significant change. This is evidenced by significant population declines in most endemic birds, the loss of all but two endemic reptiles from the wild, and the extinction of all but one). However, the CIFF is listed as Critically Endangered and has undergone significant population declines; it too may become extinct without urgent conservation management.