vertebrates text index | photo index
Phylum Chordata > Subphylum Vertebrata > Class Mammalia
Pouched tomb bat
Saccolaimus saccolaimus
Family Emballonuridae
updated Oct 2016

Where seen? This small black-and-white bat is sometimes seen roosting in rocky places on our offshore islands. According to Baker, it is widespread and common in Singapore.

Features: Forearm length about 8cm. A small bat with a large ears and a short muzzle without an elaborate 'nose leaf'. The upperside is blackish brown with white markings, the underside is white. The wings are distinctly white. There is a large pouch under the chin for both males and females.

This bat is social and roosts in colonies with as many as 300 individuals. They roost in rock crevices, hollow trees and within buildings.

What does it eat? It eats insects, foraging for these high above the canopy of trees.

Pulau Sekudu, Jul 03

Links

References

  • Baker, Nick and Kelvin Lim. 2008. Wild Animals of Singapore: A Photographic Guide to Mammals, Reptiles, Amphibians and Freshwater Fishes Vertebrate Study Group, Nature Society (Singapore). 180 pp.
  • Nowak, Ronald M. 1994. Walker's Bats of the World The Johns Hopkins University Press. 287 pp.
  • Francis, Charles M. 2001. Mammals of South-East Asia New Holland Publishers. 128 pp.
www.flickr.com
FREE photos of mammals. Make your own badge here.
links | references | about | email Ria
Spot errors? Have a question? Want to share your sightings? email Ria I'll be glad to hear from you!
wildfactsheets website©ria tan 2008