Flying Foxes

Tonga’s only native land mammals are the Pacific Flying Fox, locally known as Peka. These large bats can be found across the islands and have the good fortune of being considered sacred. The bats are the official property of the king, and no one but royalty is allowed to hunt them or harm them in any way. Because they are protected from human exploitation–the most severe threat to bats throughout the Pacific Islands–the Tongan bats have maintained a relatively stable population.