The Pouched Tomb Bat, or Pouch-bearing Bat, is a medium-sized species which has adapted well to habitat disturbance and human habitation.  Roosts may be found in rock crevices and tree holes, as well as abandoned buildings.

This is an attractive bat generally with distinctive white to grey fur on the throat, belly and parts of the back, and partly white wings. In some specimens the grey fur on the dorsum may be dappled with white.

The 'pouch' in its name refers to a glandular pocket located under its chin (the gular pouch), which can emit a strong odour. Closely related species may have a small pocket located at the wrist (the radio-metacarpal pouch), which the Pouched Tomb Bat lacks.

In flight the echolocation signals of this species can be easily heard as a series of clicks. The wings are long and narrow.

The Pouched Tomb Bat is widespread and ranges from India and Sri Lanka through Burma, Thailand, Peninsular Malaysia and Singapore to Sumatra, Java, Borneo and other Indonesian islands. The eastern extent of its range includes New Guinea and parts of northern Australia. 


 

Order : CHIROPTERA
Family : Emballonuridae
Species : Taphozous saccolaimus

Forearm Length : up to 7.8 cm
Weight : up to 60 grams

References : M2, M3