One of Asia’s most common and widespread fruit bats, yet it’s also one of the most fascinating. Found from India and Sri Lanka through Southeast Asia to Indonesia and the Philippines, this bat is a master of adaptability, thriving not only in tropical forests but also in villages, orchards, and even bustling cities. Its resilience, combined with its ecological importance, makes it a quiet hero of Asian ecosystems.
In appearance, the lesser short-nosed fruit bat is small compared to its flying fox cousins. Its fur is soft and ranges from brown to gray, often with reddish or golden tinges around the neck, giving it a warm, foxlike look. It has large, dark eyes and a blunt muzzle, which it uses to chew fruit pulp and extract juices. Unlike insectivorous bats that rely on echolocation, this species depends on its keen eyesight and sense of smell to find food, often locating ripe fruit from impressive distances.
One of the most fascinating things about this bat is its diet and ecological role. The lesser short-nosed fruit bat feeds on a wide range of fruits—bananas, figs, guavas, and mangoes are all favorites—as well as nectar and flowers. As it forages, it carries seeds in its mouth or disperses them by spitting out fibrous pulp, helping plants colonize new areas. In fact, it is considered one of the most important seed dispersers in Southeast Asia, essential for maintaining healthy tropical forests. Unlike many animals that eat fruit near the parent tree, these bats fly long distances, ensuring seeds are scattered far and wide.
Distribution
Cambodia
China
East Timor
India
Indonesia
Laos
Malaysia
Myanmar
Philippines
Singapore
Sri Lanka
Thailand
VietnamAnything we've missed?
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Terrestrial / Aquatic
Altricial / Precocial
Polygamous / Monogamous
Dimorphic (size) / Monomorphic
Active: Diurnal / Nocturnal
Social behavior: Solitary / Pack / Colony
Diet: Carnivore / Frugivore / Omnivore / Piscivorous / Insectivore
Migratory: Yes / No
Domesticated: Yes / No
Dangerous: Yes / No
