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PANDUANHEWAN · INDONESIA

Large Flying-fox

Large Flying-fox (Pteropus vampyrus). The large flying fox is a Southeast Asian fruit bat; its size and fruit-feeding ecology differ from many smaller insect-eating bats.

PanduanHewan·Updated 23 September 2026·Pteropus vampyrus
About this guideThis guide was compiled from the listed species sources and observation records; it has not been reviewed by a taxonomic specialist. GBIF records are neither a census nor proof of native range.
Photograph of Large Flying-fox (Pteropus vampyrus).
(c) Matt Muir, some rights reserved (CC BY) · CC BY 4.0 · Photograph cropped for layout.

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.

Evidence: GBIF Backbone Taxonomy — accepted taxon ↗

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 Jawa Barat, Banten, Nusa Tenggara Timur. 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.

Mangroves →

Sources & references

  1. GBIF Backbone Taxonomy — accepted taxon ↗
  2. GBIF occurrence search — Indonesia, human observations, 2016–2026 ↗
  3. GBIF species treatments — natural-history accounts ↗
  4. iNaturalist — exact species taxon and community observations ↗
  5. Species account — background reading ↗

References can change. Check dates and context in the original source.