Mangos are a popular tropical fruit, celebrated for their sweet taste and aromatic flesh. Originating in South Asia, they are now cultivated globally, making them widely available.
Mammals That Feast on Mangos
Many mammals eat mangos, drawn to their availability in tropical and subtropical climates. Primates like monkeys and apes use their dexterous hands to peel and eat mangos directly from trees. Fruit bats, such as the flying fox, pluck ripe mangos, consume the pulp, and often disperse seeds away from the parent tree.
Rodents like squirrels and rats eat mangos, targeting fallen or accessible fruit. Squirrels may nibble on unripe mangos or bury mature ones to access the seed later. Larger ground mammals also eat mangos. Deer consume mangos, including ripe and green fruit, especially when other food sources are scarce. Bears, particularly spectacled bears, also consume mangos when in season.
Birds That Enjoy Mangos
Many bird species feed on mangos where the fruit is abundant. Parrots and parakeets, like the Red-winged Parrot and Indian Ringneck Parrot, frequently visit mango trees, using their strong beaks to tear into the fruit’s soft flesh. Orioles, such as the Black-naped Oriole, also consume mangos, along with other fruits and nectar.
Mynahs and bulbuls are also drawn to the sweet pulp, pecking at the fruit in small pieces. These avian consumers often target ripe or overripe mangos, which are softer and easier to access. The presence of mango trees can attract a wide variety of fruit-loving birds to an area.
Other Creatures That Consume Mangos
Other creatures are also attracted to mangos. Insects like fruit flies and certain beetles are common consumers, found on or within decaying mango flesh. Ants are also drawn to the fruit’s sweetness, foraging on accessible parts of the mango. The leaf-katydid, found in rainforests, eats mangos alongside other vegetation.
Reptiles, especially in tropical environments, also consume mangos. Herbivorous lizards like iguanas eat mangos, using their strong jaws to process the fruit. While some lizards may consume small amounts as an occasional treat, mangos generally offer little nutritional value for many reptile species and should be given sparingly, if at all.
Why Mangos Attract Wildlife
Mangos appeal to a broad spectrum of wildlife. The fruit’s high sugar content is a primary attractant, providing energy for foraging animals. A single cup of sliced mango can contain over 22 grams of natural sugar, primarily fructose, glucose, and sucrose.
Beyond sugar, mangos are rich in vitamins, contributing to their nutritional appeal. A cup of fresh mango provides nearly 67% of the Daily Value for vitamin C, which supports immune function. It also offers approximately 10% of the Daily Value for vitamin A, important for overall health. The fruit’s water content also provides hydration, beneficial for animals in warm climates. When animals consume mangos, they often aid in seed dispersal by dropping the seed or passing it through their digestive systems, helping propagate mango trees.