For #BatAppreciationWeek:
Artist: Billy Missi (1970-2012) Sapur Au Kubi (Dark Flock of Bats), 2006 linocut print 12/90 69x100cm Cairns Art Gallery
Artist info:
Place of Birth Mabuiag (Jervis Island), Torres Strait, Queensland, Australia Language Group Kala Lagaw Ya. Totem: Koedal, Kaigas, Dhangal Clan Group Wagedagam, Gumu, Pania
Artist notes:
"During mango, almond and cashew nut season a lot of Sapur (Flying Foxes) come to our village and gardens.
When the sun begins to set in the western sky, the Sapur usually come in flocks from the thick mangroves that fringe the coastline.
The Sapur only come out at dusk to raid the fruit trees so that people cannot see them. Otherwise they would be targeted by hunters and chased away. Despite this they do make a lot of noise as they feed.
The Sapur suck the juice out of the fruit and dispose of the rest making a lot of mess under the trees. They do this all night until morning breaks when they take flight back to their isolated, thick scrubs and mangroves.
Growing up in the islands in the 1970's, these sightings were common during fruit season.
It is our uncles who tell us that whenever flocks of sapur approach the gardens, the fruit is ripe.
This image shows a large number of Sapur flying to the village to feed on the fruit trees. They circle above the trees to choose where they will feed for the evening." - Billy Missi