5 Animals That Eat Only Fruit
Every living thing on this planet has its own way of feeding itself. Based on this premise, animals are classified into omnivores, carnivores, insectivores and herbivores. Some species belong to the category of herbivores, including 5 animals that eat only fruit: frugivores.
These specimens feed mainly on fruit, although sporadically they may also resort to the ingestion of plants, aromatic herbs, vegetables, bark and even mushrooms. There are many species that have this way of feeding, but in these lines we present only a few.
1. Calendar birds
These are birds that like to stay in dense forests and even open grasslands. They build their own nest with the fibers of the yucca plant. They are in fact animals that eat only fruit and, in addition to this, they can prey on some insects. However, their favorite dishes are berries, cultivated fruits, and nectar-rich juices.
2. The primate bonobo
Among the 5 animals that eat only fruit we also find the bonobo, a creature that has a strong physical resemblance to the chimpanzee. The difference is that this primate species is smaller. It is a species of hominid with a broad forehead and long legs, which can measure up to one meter in length. Their most notable physical feature is their pink lips, which are highlighted even more by the intense black color of their face.
It is a species that has its habitat in the tropical jungles of Central Africa. As for nutrition, they are animals that basically eat only fruit, but also accompany meals with roots, flowers and stems, as well as termites and worms that can cross their path. It has also been observed that they can even prey on flying squirrels.
3. The flying fox
Reading its name, you may have thought that the flying fox is a 4-legged animal similar to a dog, but with the ability to fly. But that’s not the case. These are mammals that sleep hanging from trees and upside down, and they represent some of the largest bats in the world. Its name of flying fox is due to the physical similarity that its snout has with that of foxes.
As for its diet, three main features can be highlighted:
- They are frugivorous animals that go out to eat fruit at night.
- Their favorite food is fig fruits.
- They have a very good sense of sight, to find a great variety of fruits.
4. Green Iguanas
Iguanas are among those animals that eat only fruit and many other vegetables. The important thing is that these reptiles are quite selective in their diet, as they prefer foods that can provide them with calcium and phosphorus. They look for foods with these properties to strengthen muscles, bones and certain organs in the body.
These reptiles can eat a wide variety of fruits, such as apples, blackberries, pears, cherries, grapes, tangerines, and blueberries, among others. But as we have already mentioned, some vegetables do not escape them, such as chives and cabbage. They are creatures that have a reputation for being strictly vegetarian.
5. The pacu fish
The habitat of these fish is the fresh waters of South America. Pacu fish look similar to piranhas, and are animals that eat only fruit. They are equipped with powerful teeth, which allow them to securely capture their food. They are omnivorous specimens that in principle feed on algae and fruits.
The pacu’s diet ranges from apples, peaches, pumpkins, and even nuts. At the same time, these fish can also eat lettuce, carrots and bananas. On rare occasions they have been seen plundering small fish. Otherwise, it is an animal that prefers fruits and vegetables.
The diet of these animals contributes to the planet
We have therefore just seen 5 animals that eat only fruit. The diet of herbivorous and frugivorous animals is of great benefit to planet Earth, as it encourages interactions with plants and trees in their natural environment. Studies confirm that when frugivores feed on a fruit-based diet, they spread the seeds through the forest, grasslands, jungles, and plant ecosystems they live in.
Animals that eat only fruit depend on their natural habitat to be able to find this food and, at the same time, contribute to the birth of new fruits and the expansion of seeds. Thus, subsequently, an infinite chain unfolds and the wise balance of nature is established.
