Halmahera naked-backed fruit bat


The Halmahera naked-backed fruit bat is a common and widespread species of megabat in the family Pteropodidae. It is endemic to Indonesia. It is assessed as least-concern by the IUCN as it has a wide range and seems to have no significant threats.

Taxonomy

The bat's non-Mollucan populations are apparently an undescribed separate sub-species.

Description

With its greenish-colored fur, Dobsonia crenulata is similar in appearance to Dobsonia viridis, but is larger and has heavier dentition.

Biology

Births probably take place in December.

Distribution and habitat

The bat is endemic to Indonesia and found on the northern Moluccas, Togian Islands, Sangihe Islands, Talaud Islands, Pelang, Sulawesi, Muno, Buton, Peleng, Kabaena, Mangole, Sanana, Halmahera, Siau, Sangihe, Karekelang and Hoga Island. It occurs up to 1,000 meters above sea level.
It is commonly found in gardens and disturbed forest. It is not dependent on water. It roosts in caves, trees, and rock crevices. This species lives in large colonies.

Conservation

The species is common and widespread throughout its range. There seem to be no major threats to the bat. However, hunting and limestone extraction in its habitat in southern Sulawesi are some localised threats to this species.