Identification:
Forearm length: 78 – 87 mm. This is a medium-sized fruit bat, weighing between 60 – 80g. It has a relatively small snout and a short tail. The fur is short and pale grey or brown. Adult males possess light yellow or orange tufts of longer hairs on their shoulders. This species typically roosts in caves and uses echolocation. It emits sounds, similar to a clicking of the tongue, which are easily audible. This allows them to find entrances and perching locations in dark caves.
Biology and Ecology:
The primary diet of this species consists of fruits and nectar. They inhabit dark caves or hollows within large trees.
Distribution:
The Brown Fruit Bat (likely Hipposideros larvatus) is found throughout Southeast Asia, extending as far east as Sulawesi.
Value:
This is a rare species with value for scientific research and aesthetic appreciation. It also serves as a pollinator for plant species in its natural environment.