Identification:
This bat species is of medium size within the fruit bat family. Forearm length ranges from 65-76 mm, and tail length from 18-22 mm (based on 15 specimen). The skull length is 30.1-32 mm. The dorsal fur is brown to grayish-brown, while the ventral fur is lighter. The neck of males is dark reddish-brown, whereas the neck of females is yellow. The wing bones and ears have white edges. The lower molars are rounded and lack sharp angles.
Biology and Ecology:
This bat species inhabits diverse habitats, including under forest canopies, small caves at low altitudes, and areas near villages where fruit trees are cultivated. Colonies typically consist of 2-25 individuals. They often roost in trees, under the leaves of Livistona chinensis palms, or occasionally under the roofs of buildings. Their primary diet consists of pollen, fruits, banana nectar, and seeds of some fruit trees within their habitat.
The mating season extends from December to August. Gestation lasts 115-123 days. Young are typically born during two periods: February-March or June-August each year. Mothers carry their young and wean them after approximately 40-45 days.
Distribution:
This species is distributed throughout most provinces in Vietnam, Thailand, Sri Lanka, India, southern China, and Southeast Asia, including Sumatra, Java, Timor and surrounding islands, and Borneo.
Value:
This bat species is valuable for scientific research and plays a role in pollination for various plant species in nature.