Pteropus vampyrus sumatrensis

(Ludeking, 1862)

Vernacular names
English : Large flying-fox
French : Roussette de Malaisie

Classification
Class : Mammalia
Order : Chiroptera
Family : Pteropodidae
Notes : 5 other subspecies known. Former subspecies malaccensis is included in this subspecies.

Identification
One of the largest flying fox species, reaching 29 cm in body length for a weight up to 1,4 kg. Wings and limbs very dark. Dark eyes. Nape dark rufous brown to nearly blonde. Mantle from black to dark brown, rarely beige brown.

Range and habitat
Subspecies found from south Vietnam and Cambodia to Malaysia and Sumatra. Species also occurs on Java, Lesser Sundas, Borneo and Philippines. Lives in primary and secondary forests, swampy and mangrove areas, to 1370 m.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : ENDANGERED
CITES : Appendix II
Status : The species is experiencing significant declines, mostly because of overharvesting for food. Its habitat is also being degraded at a fast rate.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

Back to “Bats” page