Identification
The Large Flying Fox (Pteropus vampyrus) is the largest bat species within the family Pteropodidae and is one of the largest bat species globally. Forearm length ranges from 185 to 225 mm, head-body length is 276 to 339 mm, foot length (including claws) is 52 to 75 mm, and tail length is 0 mm. The weight of adults varies from 645 to 1,100 g. Adult bats have a uniform brown-gray fur color, with a brown-yellow or dark yellow neck and shoulders. The fur on the upper back, above the shoulders and neck, is longer than on the lower part of the back. The abdominal fur is coarse and thick. Juveniles have a dull brown-gray color.
Biology and Ecology
These bats live in large colonies, roosting on branches in mangrove forests (Rhizophoraceae family). They often travel long distances to forage for food. They forage at night and hang upside down on branches to sleep during the day. Their primary diet consists of fruits or nectar, such as rambutan, mangoes, and durian. They act as pollinators for many forest and fruit tree species.
The breeding season begins with gestation from October to November each year. Young are born between March and May annually. They typically give birth to one offspring per year.
Distribution
Found in southern Myanmar, Thailand, Indonesia, the Malay Peninsula, the Philippines, Java, Borneo, and in Vietnam, the species is quite common in U Minh, Kien Giang, and Doi Pagoda (Soc Trang).
Value
This bat species has scientific and aesthetic value and acts as a pollinator in the natural environment.