Taxonomy
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Mammal
Habitat
This species inhabits lowland rainforests, caves, and coastal areas in Indonesia and Papua New Guinea. It prefers tropical environments with abundant fruit trees and roosting sites, typically at elevations below 500 meters. These bats are adaptable but rely on undisturbed forest for foraging.
Diet
Beaufort's naked-backed fruit bat primarily feeds on fruits such as figs, bananas, and other tropical produce, as well as nectar and flowers. It forages at night using echolocation to locate food, often traveling several kilometers from roosts to feeding sites. This frugivorous diet plays a key role in seed dispersal in its ecosystem.
Behavior
These bats are nocturnal, roosting in colonies of up to several hundred individuals in caves or tree hollows during the day. They exhibit social behaviors like grooming and vocal communication, and are highly territorial around roosting sites. Males may perform display flights to attract females during mating seasons.
Conservation Status
The IUCN classifies Beaufort's naked-backed fruit bat as Least Concern, though its population may be decreasing due to habitat loss from deforestation. Major threats include logging and agricultural expansion in its range.