Imagine capturing a moment so rare, it’s believed to be the first of its kind in history—a critically endangered bat cradling its pup mid-flight. This astonishing feat was achieved by photographer Chris Bray on Christmas Island, a remote territory over 1,500 kilometers off the West Australian coast. But here’s where it gets even more remarkable: this isn’t just a photo; it’s a testament to the resilience of a species teetering on the edge of extinction. The Christmas Island flying fox, with fewer than 400 individuals left in the wild, is the last native mammal clinging to survival on this isolated land. And this photo? It took hours of patience, over 1,000 shots, and a stroke of luck to capture.
Chris Bray describes the process as both grueling and exhilarating. “You just photograph every bat that flies past,” he explains. “Later, we sifted through the images and realized only a handful had the pup in frame.” These bats, with their teddy bear-like faces, fluffy fur, and round ears, are not only critically endangered but also undeniably adorable. As Bray puts it, “They’re our own version of the flying fox—the cutest bat species in the world.”
And this is the part most people miss: capturing this moment wasn’t just about skill; it was about overcoming nearly impossible conditions. Bray and his partner, ecologist Annabel Dorrestein, had to battle torrential rain, gusty winds, and poor lighting. “It was pouring, and their fur was so heavy from the rain,” Bray recalls. “Yet, there they were, flying with incredible determination.” For Dorrestein, seeing a mother bat ferry her pup—a blob weighing 15% of her body weight—was a natural marvel. “Flying is already energetically demanding, and she’s also lactating,” she explains. “It’s truly incredible.”
But the story takes a darker turn. The Christmas Island flying fox is under siege. Feral cats, introduced to the island, have had a “gigantic impact” on their numbers, with bat remains found in cat stomachs. Yellow crazy ants, another invasive species, have further devastated the local ecosystem. Since 1888, four of the island’s five native mammals have gone extinct, and the Christmas Island shrew was officially declared extinct late last year. Habitat destruction from phosphate mining has only compounded the crisis.
Here’s the controversial question: Can we reverse this decline, or are we witnessing the final chapter of these unique species? Dorrestein argues that while the situation is dire, awareness and conservation efforts can make a difference. “These bats are part of our natural heritage,” she says. “We owe it to them to fight for their survival.”
For Bray and Dorrestein, this photo holds personal significance too. They met at the very spot where the image was taken—a place where Dorrestein was studying bats and Bray was leading a photo tour. Their shared passion for these “maligned” creatures has fueled their advocacy. “Being with Annabel has opened my eyes to the wonders of bats,” Bray says. “Having this species in our backyard is truly special.”
So, what do you think? Is it too late to save the Christmas Island flying fox, or can we turn the tide? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s spark a conversation that could make a difference.
