TAIPEI (Taiwan News) – At least 166 rare Formosan flying foxes now live in Hualien City, reports said Friday.

For five years, the extinction-threatened animal has been spotted in the same city neighborhood, per CNA. The Hualien chapter of the Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency cooperated with National Taipei University, the Bat Association of Taiwan, and Hualien Natural Education and Ecology Consultant Ltd. on a project to monitor the bats.

The research team used DNA analysis, wireless, and GPS tracking to map the habits of the Formosan flying fox. The experts came to the conclusion that Hualien’s green belt provided the animals with a stable food supply and a safe environment, leading to the growth of their population.

Nine bats fitted with tracking devices moved only within a space of 1 square kilometer, while one was seen living in the same area for five consecutive years. One couple, named Jiajia and Maji by the team, spent most of their time on one coconut tree.

While the size of the Formosan flying foxes often scares people, they contribute to the spread of plant seeds, playing a key role in protecting the environment. The animals have a maximum wingspan of 1 meter, and live mostly in Hualien and on Guishan Island in Yilan.