First-Ever Photo of Christmas Island Flying Fox with Pup!

Rare wildlife sighting captures critically endangered species in flight

Apr. 11, 2026 at 1:41pm

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An abstract painting in soft, earthy tones featuring sweeping geometric arcs, concentric circles, and precise botanical spirals, conceptually representing the Christmas Island flying fox and its pup in flight.A rare glimpse into the fragile world of the Christmas Island flying fox, captured in a striking abstract illustration that celebrates the beauty and complexity of this endangered species.Columbus Today

A remarkable photograph has emerged, capturing a critically endangered Christmas Island flying fox carrying its pup mid-flight. This is believed to be the first-ever image of its kind, taken by photographer Chris Bray after hours of effort and hundreds of discarded shots.

Why it matters

The Christmas Island flying fox is a unique mammal, endemic to the remote territory over 1,500 kilometers off the West Australian coast. With a population of less than 400 in the wild, these bats are in dire need of protection. The destruction of jungle habitat for phosphate mining and the introduction of feral cats and yellow crazy ants have devastated local wildlife, with four of the five native mammals to the territory going extinct since 1888.

The details

The photo holds personal significance for the duo, as they met at the same location where the image was taken. Chris Bray and Dr. Annabel Dorrestein, an ecologist and bat expert, share a passion for advocating for bats, which are often maligned. The Christmas Island shrew was recently declared extinct after decades without a sighting.

  • The photograph was taken by Chris Bray in 2026.

The players

Chris Bray

A photographer who captured the first-ever image of a Christmas Island flying fox carrying its pup.

Annabel Dorrestein

An ecologist and bat expert who has studied the critically endangered Christmas Island flying fox.

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What they’re saying

“This photo serves as a reminder of the importance of conservation efforts to protect these unique and endangered species.”

— Chris Bray, Photographer

What’s next

Conservation efforts to protect the Christmas Island flying fox and its habitat will continue, with researchers and advocates like Chris Bray and Annabel Dorrestein working to raise awareness and implement protective measures.

The takeaway

This remarkable photograph highlights the fragility of the Christmas Island ecosystem and the urgent need to preserve the remaining populations of its unique native species, including the critically endangered Christmas Island flying fox.