Fig 1
Fig 2
Fig 3
Fig 4
Fig 5
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Order : CHIROPTERA
Family : Pteropodidae
Species : Cynopterus brachyotis
Forearm Length : up to 7.0 cm
Weight : up to 42 grams
Cynopterus brachyotis
(Lesser Dog-faced Fruit Bat, Common Fruit Bat) is common to abundant
throughout much of its range. It occurs in a range of habitats from lowland
primary and secondary forests to mangroves, cultivated areas, and parks and
gardens.
By day it roosts under
shaded trees, sometimes underneath the protective cover of epiphytic ferns,
or near the entrance of caves. It can be identified by the pale edges of the
ears and the whitish wing bones. It feeds on small fruits, figs and nectar.
The species ranges from
Sri Lanka, through Myanmar, Thailand and Indochina to Malaysia, Singapore,
Philippines and Indonesia.
Figs 1 and 2 : These bats were attracted to ripe fruits of the Chiku or Sapodilla tree (Manilkara zapota)
in Singapore.
Fig 3 : Adult male with harem of 8 females beneath the leaf of a palm tree:
the veins of the leaf have been chewed to make it collapse and form a tent.
The female at lower right is nursing a pup.
Fig 4 : Adult male with his harem of 20 females in the shelter of a
Bird's Nest Fern Asplenium nidus, Singapore.
Fig 5 : A mother shields her fully-grown pup.
References :
Francis, C.M., 2001. Mammals of South-east Asia. New
Holland.
Payne, J., Francis, C.M., 1998. A Field Guide to the Mammals of
Borneo. The Sabah Society.
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