UPSC CSE Prelims 2009
The flying fox is a common name for large fruit bats, primarily species within the genus Pteropus (family Pteropodidae). These are nocturnal mammals known for their fox-like facial features and large eyes. Unlike many other bat species, flying foxes generally do not use echolocation; they rely on their keen eyesight and sense of smell. In India, various species of flying foxes are found, particularly in the North-Eastern regions and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. They play an important ecological role as pollinators and seed dispersers, feeding on fruits, nectar, and pollen.
All three options (Kite, Stork, Vulture) refer to different types of birds, which are distinct from bats (mammals).