The black-bearded tomb bat (Taphozous melanopogon) is a species of sac-winged bat found in South and South East Asia.
It was described as a new species in 1841 by Dutch zoologist Coenraad Jacob Temminck. The holotype was collected on Java.[2] Its species name "melanopogon" comes from Ancient Greek "mélās" meaning "black" and "pṓgōn" meaning "beard."[3]
The black-bearded tomb bat has a forearm length of 55–68 mm (2.2–2.7 in). It has a small "beard", or a tuft of black fur on its chin. Its fur is blackish-brown, with individual hairs white at the base.[4]
The black-bearded tomb bat is highly colonial, forming large aggregations of up to 15,000 individuals while roosting. These roosts are located in temples, ruins, or caves. It is a seasonal breeder; young are born after a gestation length of 120–125 days. The typical litter size is one individual, though twins have been documented.[4]
This species ranges widely throughout Asia and Southeast Asia. Its range includes the following countries: Brunei, Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Timor-Leste, and Vietnam. It has been documented at elevations up to 800 m (2,600 ft) above sea level.[1]
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(help) The black-bearded tomb bat (Taphozous melanopogon) is a species of sac-winged bat found in South and South East Asia.