Black-bearded flying fox

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Black-bearded flying fox (Pteropus melanopogon) is an endangered megabat found only in Indonesia’s Maluku Islands. It lives on Ambon, Buru, Seram, Banda, and Yamdena. Today there is only one known colony, and it has fewer than 200 individuals.

The species is the only member of its group within the Pteropus genus. It was described in 1867 by Wilhelm Peters. The name melanopogon comes from Greek roots meaning “black beard.”

Adults weigh about 510–900 grams. Its fur is dark red on the brow, face, and under the jaw, with bright reddish-brown on the head, neck, shoulders, and belly. The back is dark brown with some bright yellow hairs. Its wings attach near the spine. The legs and forearms have little or no fur.

Black-bearded flying foxes are social and roost in colonies of up to about 200. They have been seen feeding on the flowers of durian trees. They sometimes roost with the Moluccan flying fox but not in the same tree.

This bat is a known host for a nasal mite. It is endemic to the Maluku Islands, and its remaining mangrove roost is on Seram Island. In the past it was found on Ambon, Buru, the Banda Islands, and Yamdena, but there are few recent sightings there.

Conservation outlook is poor. The species is not protected, and its habitat isn’t protected either. From 2016 to 2049, scientists expect the population to decline by about 50%. Major threats are habitat loss due to deforestation and hunting for bushmeat. Its colonial nature makes it especially vulnerable to hunting.