To some, the Indian flying fox is vermin because they believe that it "poaches" ripe fruit from orchards.

A study in India found that of all orchard crops, Indian flying foxes did the most damage to mango and guava crops.

However, an estimated 60% of fruits damaged by the flying foxes were ripe or overripe; overripe fruits are about half as valuable as ripe fruits.

In the Maldives, Indian flying foxes are considered major pests of almond, guava, and mango trees.
Indian flying foxes in the Maldives have been culled to protect orchards; some managers advocated reducing their population by 75% every three to four years for optimum control.

Alternatives to culling include placing barriers between the bats and fruit trees, such as netting, or harvesting fruit in a timely manner to avoid attracting as many flying foxes.

Preventing fruit loss may also involve the use of scare guns, chemical deterrents, or night-time lights.

Alternatively, planting Singapore cherry trees next to an orchard can be effective, as flying foxes are much more attracted to their fruits than many other orchard crops.
To some, the Indian flying fox is vermin because they believe that it "poaches" ripe fruit from orchards.
A study in India found that of all orchard crops, Indian flying foxes did the most damage to mango and guava crops.
However, an estimated 60% of fruits damaged by the flying foxes were ripe or overripe; overripe fruits are about half as valuable as ripe fruits.
In the Maldives, Indian flying foxes are considered major pests of almond, guava, and mango trees. Indian flying foxes in the Maldives have been culled to protect orchards; some managers advocated reducing their population by 75% every three to four years for optimum control.
Alternatives to culling include placing barriers between the bats and fruit trees, such as netting, or harvesting fruit in a timely manner to avoid attracting as many flying foxes.
Preventing fruit loss may also involve the use of scare guns, chemical deterrents, or night-time lights.
Alternatively, planting Singapore cherry trees next to an orchard can be effective, as flying foxes are much more attracted to their fruits than many other orchard crops.
Indian flying fox