As the sun dips below the mangroves and tidal flats of Mayotte, a quiet but vital event begins in the twilight: the Comoros fruit bat takes to the air. These large flying mammals, with a wingspan of nearly 1.30 meters, play a crucial role in the island’s ecosystem. Known locally as the ndrema or flying fox, they are an endemic species of the Comoros, closely related to a bat found in the Seychelles. Unlike most bats, which are strictly nocturnal, the Mayotte fruit bat is more active during dawn and late afternoon, making it a partially diurnal creature. They live in small colonies, resting during the day in large trees before venturing out to feed. The fruit bat’s diet consists of a variety of fruits and flowers, including mangoes, papayas, figs, and the night-blooming flowers of the baobab and kapok trees. This diet places them in a unique ecological niche—few other animals can fulfill their role as both pollinators and seed dispersers. Their ability to fly long distances and their nocturnal foraging habits make them essential for the reproduction of these iconic tree species. The baobab, in particular, has evolved to rely on the fruit bat for pollination. Its flowers open at dusk, emit a strong scent, and hang in a way that makes them accessible to the bat, which then carries pollen on its body, enabling cross-pollination. Despite legal protections established in 2000 and further reinforced in 2013, the Mayotte fruit bat remains vulnerable. The species is listed in Appendix II of CITES, an international agreement that regulates trade in endangered species, requiring permits for any international trade involving the bat. However, local hunting still occurs, sometimes for the bat’s meat and sometimes in response to damage it causes to fruit crops. This creates a delicate balance between conservation efforts and the needs of local farmers, who often see the bats as pests when they feed on orchards and gardens. The loss of the fruit bat would have far-reaching consequences for Mayotte’s environment. Without them, the baobab and kapok trees—key elements of the island’s natural heritage—would lose their primary pollinators, and the forests surrounding the mangroves would suffer from reduced seed dispersal. These bats are more than just large, impressive creatures; they are the silent architects of the island’s ecological balance. As tensions between agriculture and conservation persist, the Mayotte fruit bat continues its vital, unseen work—flying through the night, pollinating, and scattering seeds, ensuring the survival of the island’s unique and fragile ecosystems.