The Terrifying Giant Freshwater Stingray
It is possible for these creatures to weigh up to 1,300 pounds and reach a length of 6.2 feet! They live in the Mekong River as well. These animals are indigenous to estuaries and rivers in Borneo and Indochina, but they are endangered. Sadly, people like to hunt them down for recreation or for meat. The stingrays are also placed in aquariums for display. Another reason their numbers keep going down is that their habitats are getting more polluted. These creatures eat invertebrates and fish. Female stingrays usually give birth to anywhere from one to four babies. While they are not aggressive, their sting can penetrate your bones! In fact, Steve Irwin was killed by a stingray.
The Bismarck Flying Fox Of Papua New Guinea
Named after the Bismarck Archipelago, you can find this creature in Papua New Guinea. The Bismarck masked flying fox is the biggest bat in the world! These animals got their name because their heads make them look like foxes. They have a wingspan that can grow as long as 5.25 feet, although most of them are just below 5 feet. The animals have pointed ears and good eyes but no tail. It is fascinating to learn that the males can lactate! They eat nectar, flowers, and fruits. Just so you know, their colonies can sometimes accommodate as many as 200,000 bats! Whoa.