Wrinkle-lipped free-tailed bat

Their name comes from the distinctive folds or wrinkles on their lips which is essential for capturing prey in mid-flight

Their name comes from the distinctive folds or wrinkles on their lips which is essential for capturing prey in mid-flight

Population

A cosmopolitan traveler with a broad distribution across the diverse landscapes of Asia, notably throughout South and Southeast Asia. This species exhibits remarkable adaptability, thriving in a wide array of environments. Its choice of roosting sites is a testament to its versatility, encompassing a variety of natural and artificial structures. From the shadowy recesses of caves and crevices to the sheltered confines of man-made buildings, these bats demonstrate a flexible approach to finding safe havens for their colonies.

Renowned for their aerial prowess, Wrinkle-lipped free-tailed bats exhibit exceptional agility and speed in flight. This capability is not merely for display; it is a critical adaptation that enables them to pursue and capture a wide range of flying insects, their primary food source. By feeding on these insects, they play an indispensable role in controlling pest populations, thus contributing significantly to the ecological balance within their habitats. Their predation helps regulate insect numbers, which can otherwise reach levels that are harmful to crops and natural vegetation, highlighting their importance in both agricultural and natural ecosystems.

Echolocation is among the most extraordinary abilities of the Wrinkle-lipped free-tailed bat. By emitting a series of high-pitched calls and listening to the echoes that bounce back from surrounding objects, they can construct a detailed sonic map of their environment. This sophisticated bio-sonar system allows them to navigate through the darkness with remarkable precision, expertly avoiding obstacles and zeroing in on their insect prey with astounding accuracy. Echolocation is a hallmark of bat biology, and the Wrinkle-lipped free-tailed bat exemplifies its effectiveness as a navigational and foraging tool.

Distribution

Country
Population est.
Status
Year
Comments
Bangladesh
2018
Presence Uncertain
Cambodia
2018
China
2018
Hong Kong
2018
India
LC
2018
Laos
2018
Malaysia
2018
Mulu and Gomantong caves
Philippines
2018
Northern Luzon, Cebu
Sri Lanka
LC
2018
Thailand
4,000,000
LC
2018
10% annual decline
Vietnam
2018

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Terrestrial / Aquatic

Altricial / Precocial

Polygamous / Monogamous

Dimorphic (size)/ Monomorphic

Active: Diurnal / Nocturnal

Social behavior: Solitary / Pack / Herd / Colony

Diet: Carnivore / Herbivore / Omnivore / Piscivorous / Insectivore

Migratory: Yes / No

Domesticated: Yes / No

Dangerous: Yes / No