Taxonomy
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Mammal
Habitat
This species primarily inhabits tropical rainforests and lowland areas on the island of Sulawesi and nearby Indonesian islands. They roost in caves, tree hollows, and dense vegetation, preferring warm, humid environments with access to fruit sources. Geographic range is limited to these regions, avoiding higher elevations above 1,500 meters.
Diet
The Sulawesi naked-backed fruit bat mainly feeds on fruits such as figs, bananas, and other soft tropical fruits, as well as nectar and flowers. They use echolocation to locate food at night and play a key role in seed dispersal. Feeding occurs primarily during the evening and night hours when they forage in groups.
Behavior
These bats are highly social, forming large colonies in roosting sites like caves or trees for protection. They are nocturnal, emerging at dusk to fly and forage over wide areas, and exhibit agile, maneuverable flight patterns. While not strongly territorial, they may defend feeding spots from competitors.
Conservation Status
The IUCN Red List classifies Dobsonia exoleta as Least Concern, with a stable population trend, though habitat loss due to deforestation and agriculture poses a significant threat.