However, this bat is best known for eating the fruit left behind by Hindus taking part in religious festivals on Bali. Every aspect of Balinese life is steeped in religious belief. Ninety per cent of Balinese are Hindu and around five per cent Muslim (these percentages are reversed on Lombok, which might be why the Blue Bat isn’t found on Lombok).

There are festivals almost every day on Bali and the Blue Bat makes sure it finds them. The availability of such large amounts of food might be why this bat flies around during the day and rests at night. The Blue Bat doesn’t swoop down and take the fruit during the festival, but waits until the ceremonies are over before starting to eat.

This is an extract from the book Animals Evolution Avoided