Thai National Parks

Species of Thailand

Black-bearded tomb bat

Taphozous melanopogon

Coenraad Jacob Temminck, 1841

The black-bearded tomb bat (Taphozous melanopogon) is a species of sac-winged bat.

It is found in South and South East Asia.

Taxonomy and etymology

It was described as a new species in 1841 by Dutch zoologist Coenraad Jacob Temminck.

The holotype was collected on Java.

Its species name "melanopogon" comes from Ancient Greek "" meaning "black" and "" meaning "beard."

Description

The black-bearded tomb bat has a forearm length of 55-68 mm. It has a small "beard", or a tuft of black fur on its chin. Its fur is blackish-brown, with individual hairs white at the base.

Biology and ecology

The black-bearded tomb bat is highly colonial, forming large aggregations of up to 15, 000 individuals while roosting. These roosts are located in temples, ruins, or caves. It is a seasonal breeder; young are born after a gestation length of 120–125 days. The typical litter size is one individual, though twins have been documented.

Range and habitat

This species ranges widely throughout Asia and Southeast Asia.

Its range includes the following countries: Brunei, Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Timor-Leste, and Vietnam.

It has been documented at elevations up to 800 m above sea level.

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Scientific classification

Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Chiroptera
Family
Emballonuridae
Genus
Taphozous
Species
Taphozous melanopogon

Synonyms

  • Taphozous solifer, Hollister (1913)
  • Taphozous phillipenensis, Waterhouse (1845)
  • Taphozous bicolor, Coenraad Jacob Temminck (1841)

Conservation status

Least Concern (IUCN3.1)

Least Concern (IUCN3.1)

Photos

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Black-bearded tomb bat

Range Map

Distribution map of Black-bearded tomb bat, Taphozous melanopogon in Thailand
  • Ao Luek District, Krabi
  • Chaloem Phra Kiat District, Buriram
  • Khao Chamao - Khao Wong National Park
  • Khao Nang Phanthurat Forest Park
  • Khao Sok National Park
  • Muang Kao Chai Buri Forest Park
  • Mueang Phang Nga District, Phang Nga
  • Pa Daet District, Chiang Rai
  • Pak Chong District, Nakhon Ratchasima
  • Tha Yang District, Phetchaburi
  • Tham Pha Tha Phon Non-Hunting Area
Range map of Taphozous melanopogon in Thailand