The giant of the bat world—and one of the most awe-inspiring mammals on Earth. Native to Southeast Asia, from Thailand and Malaysia to the Philippines and Indonesia, this species is the largest bat in the world. Despite its dramatic size and somewhat spooky nickname, the large flying fox is a gentle giant, feeding entirely on fruit and nectar and playing a critical role in the health of tropical forests.
In appearance, the large flying fox is stunning. Its fur is typically a mix of dark brown to black on the body with a golden or reddish mantle around the neck and shoulders, giving it the look of a little forest fox with wings. Its face is doglike, with large eyes and a pointed snout, which is why fruit bats are often called “flying foxes.” Unlike many smaller bats, it has no tail, and its long, leathery wings stretch dramatically as it glides through the night sky. Watching a colony take off at sunset is an unforgettable sight—thousands of massive bats filling the air like living kites.
Ecologically, the large flying fox is a super-pollinator and seed disperser. It feeds mainly on fruits like figs, bananas, and mangos, as well as nectar from flowers. As it travels long distances—sometimes more than 50 km (31 miles) in a single night—it spreads seeds and pollen far and wide, keeping forests connected and regenerating. In fact, some rainforest trees depend almost entirely on flying foxes for reproduction. Their habit of feeding in the canopy and carrying seeds away from parent trees helps maintain the structure and diversity of tropical ecosystems.
At dusk, they erupt into the sky, forming streams of bats that can stretch for miles. While their size can make them look intimidating, they are completely harmless to humans—they don’t echolocate, don’t drink blood, and rely on their excellent vision and sense of smell to navigate.
Distribution
Brunei
Cambodia
East Timor
Indonesia
Malaysia
Philippines
Singapore
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 / Nectarivore / Omnivore / Piscivorous / Insectivore
Migratory: Yes / No
Domesticated: Yes / No
Dangerous: Yes / No
