Quick answer
IUCN status: EndangeredLarge Flying-fox at a glance
The Large Flying-fox (Pteropus vampyrus) is a mammal in the family Pteropodidae. In Indonesia, observation records come mainly from West Java, Banten, East Nusa Tenggara. Diet: fruit, flowers and nectar; a herbivore. IUCN Red List status: Endangered.
| Scientific name | Pteropus vampyrus |
|---|---|
| Indonesian name | Kalong besar |
| Group | Mammals |
| Family | Pteropodidae |
| Observation records | West Java, Banten, East Nusa Tenggara |
| Linked habitats | Mangroves |
| Taxonomic group | Chiroptera |
| GBIF records | 97 human-observation records, 2016–2026 |
| Data retrieved | 2026-09-23 |
| IUCN status | Endangered · IUCN Red List (via GBIF) · checked 1 October 2026 |
| Wingspan | About 1.5 m on average · Animal Diversity Web — Pteropus vampyrus |
| Body weight | 0.6–1.1 kg · Animal Diversity Web — Pteropus vampyrus |
| Lifespan | About 15 years in the wild; 15–30 years in captivity · Animal Diversity Web — Pteropus vampyrus |
| Diet type | Herbivore (plant-eater) — fruit, flowers and nectar · Animal Diversity Web |
| Reproduction | Giving birth to live young (viviparous) · Animal Diversity Web |
| Active | Nocturnal (active at night) · Pteropus vampyrus (large flying fox) - Animal Diversity Web, University of Michigan |
In this guide (13)
What is the Large Flying-fox?
Large Flying-fox refers to Pteropus vampyrus, in the genus Pteropus, family Pteropodidae, and order Chiroptera. The scientific name follows the accepted taxon in the GBIF Backbone Taxonomy. Common names can vary between places; the scientific name distinguishes this species from relatives.
What is known about the Large Flying-fox?
The large flying fox is a Southeast Asian fruit bat; its size and fruit-feeding ecology differ from many smaller insect-eating bats.
Read that fact alongside the scientific name and species source, not as proof from an unclear photograph. Populations, ages and taxonomic limits can differ; when identification is uncertain, record the broader group.
Evidence: Species account — background reading ↗
Habitat and field observations of the Large Flying-fox
Large flying foxes roost in colonies in tall trees, including comparatively intact mangroves. Figs, flowers, nectar and pollen are among recorded foods.
Evidence: GBIF species treatments — natural-history accounts ↗
How many Indonesian records name the Large Flying-fox?
When checked on 2026-09-23, the GBIF search returned 97 human-observation records from Indonesia under this species name for 2016–2026. That is a count of indexed records, not an estimate of population, abundance or unique individuals. Observation effort can vary by location, and the count may change as records are added or identifications revised.
Evidence: GBIF occurrence search — Indonesia, human observations, 2016–2026 ↗
Where were observations reported?
Place labels appearing in the results include West Java, Banten, East Nusa Tenggara. They are labels attached to records, not a complete range map or evidence that the species occurs only there. Some labels may be broad or inconsistent. Check the underlying records before using the location information for field decisions.
Evidence: GBIF occurrence search — Indonesia, human observations, 2016–2026 ↗
How can you observe the Large Flying-fox?
Watch from a distance, do not feed, and avoid sharing precise locations of vulnerable dens or resting sites. Do not try to catch or touch wild mammals. A well-documented sighting helps others check the identification without turning one encounter into a conservation-status claim.
Explore related animals
To explore this group further, compare Large Flying-fox with Lesser Long-tongued Fruit Bat, Tatar Horseshoe Bat, Diadem Roundleaf Bat. These links reflect a shared genus, family, order, class or catalogue group; taxonomic proximity does not imply identical habitat needs or conservation status.
Explore related habitats
These habitat relationships are supported by species sources in this guide. This is not a complete range map.
Scientific classification of the Large Flying-fox
| Kingdom | Animalia |
|---|---|
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Mammalia |
| Order | Chiroptera |
| Family | Pteropodidae |
| Genus | Pteropus |
| Species | Pteropus vampyrus |
Source: GBIF Backbone Taxonomy, adjusted to the ranks commonly used in school biology (for example class Reptilia).
Common questions about the Large Flying-fox
What is the scientific name of the Large Flying-fox?
The scientific name of the Large Flying-fox is Pteropus vampyrus, in the family Pteropodidae and the order Chiroptera. In Indonesian it is called Kalong besar.
What kind of animal is the Large Flying-fox?
The Large Flying-fox is a mammal in the family Pteropodidae. By diet it is a herbivore (plant-eater): a fruit, flowers and nectar.
Where does the Large Flying-fox live in Indonesia?
Observation records of the Large Flying-fox summarised in this guide mainly come from West Java, Banten, East Nusa Tenggara. That list is not a complete range map.
Source-supported habitats: Mangroves.
What does the Large Flying-fox eat?
The Large Flying-fox is a fruit, flowers and nectar. That makes it a herbivore (plant-eater). Source: Animal Diversity Web.
How does the Large Flying-fox reproduce?
The Large Flying-fox reproduces by giving birth to live young (viviparous). Source: Animal Diversity Web.
Is the Large Flying-fox nocturnal?
The cited source records the Large Flying-fox as nocturnal (active at night). Source: Pteropus vampyrus (large flying fox) - Animal Diversity Web, University of Michigan.
See also the list of nocturnal and diurnal animals in Indonesia.
What are the main features of the Large Flying-fox?
Key features of the Large Flying-fox, from this guide’s sources: Wingspan: About 1.5 m on average; Body weight: 0.6–1.1 kg.
How big is the Large Flying-fox?
Wingspan: About 1.5 m on average. Source: Animal Diversity Web — Pteropus vampyrus.
Body weight: 0.6–1.1 kg. Source: Animal Diversity Web — Pteropus vampyrus.
What is the scientific classification of the Large Flying-fox?
Scientific classification of the Large Flying-fox: kingdom Animalia, phylum Chordata, class Mammalia, order Chiroptera, family Pteropodidae, genus Pteropus, species Pteropus vampyrus.
Source: GBIF Backbone Taxonomy, adjusted to the ranks commonly used in school biology.
Is the Large Flying-fox endangered?
Yes. On the IUCN Red List, the Large Flying-fox is listed as Endangered: it is considered to face a very high risk of extinction in the wild. Source: IUCN Red List (via GBIF), checked 1 October 2026.
This global category is separate from legal protection in Indonesia. To check whether the Large Flying-fox is a protected species, consult the current national list of protected species or contact the local BKSDA (natural resources conservation office).
Sources & references
- GBIF Backbone Taxonomy — accepted taxon ↗
- GBIF occurrence search — Indonesia, human observations, 2016–2026 ↗
- GBIF species treatments — natural-history accounts ↗
- iNaturalist — exact species taxon and community observations ↗
- Species account — background reading ↗
- Animal Diversity Web — Pteropus vampyrus ↗
- Animal Diversity Web ↗
- GBIF Backbone Taxonomy (GBIF) ↗
- IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, version 2026-1, via GBIF (CC BY 4.0) ↗
References can change. Check dates and context in the original source. How we use sources and data →
National parks where it is recorded
According to the official national park profiles from the KSDAE directorate. The animal may also live elsewhere.
Cite this page
Credit PanduanHewan when referring to this page. Check the original evidence sources before reusing a claim.
PanduanHewan. Large Flying-fox (Pteropus vampyrus). Last substantive update: 1 October 2026. https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/pteropus-vampyrus/