Found in Southeast Asia, from Malaysia and Indonesia to parts of Thailand, it is instantly recognizable because, unlike most bats, it has almost no fur. Instead, its skin is nearly bare, wrinkled, and grayish-black, making it look more like a tiny flying bulldog than the furry bats people are used to seeing. With its large head, blunt snout, and folded skin, it has a striking and unusual appearance that sets it apart from its cousins.

One of its most distinctive traits is the presence of skin folds and pouches around its neck and body. These folds act like built-in storage pockets, allowing the bat to tuck in its wings when roosting and perhaps even store food. Despite its odd looks, it is superbly adapted to its environment.

The Hairless bat is an insect eater, and a highly efficient one at that. Emerging at dusk, it swoops over open areas and forests, snapping up moths, beetles, and other flying insects. Its long wings make it a strong, fast flier, and like other bats, it uses echolocation—high-pitched calls that bounce off objects—to hunt and navigate in the dark. During the day, it roosts in caves, hollow trees, or even buildings, often in colonies that can number in the hundreds.

Its bulldog-like face has earned it the nickname “bulldog bat,” though it’s not closely related to the fishing bats of the Americas that share that name. Its bare, wrinkled body has also led to it being called one of the least cuddly-looking bats, but its uniqueness makes it a favorite among scientists.

Distribution

Country

Population est.

Status

Year

Comments

Brunei

2018

Indonesia

2018

Malaysia

2018

Philippines

2018

Singapore

2018

Thailand

2018