Fast Facts

  • Classification
    Genus
    Dobsonia
    Species
    magna
    Family
    Pteropodidae
    Order
    Chiroptera
    Subclass
    Eutheria
    Subphylum
    Vertebrata
    Phylum
    Chordata
    Kingdom
    Animalia

Introduction

The Bare-backed Fruit-bats' wings are attached to the body along their back rather than their sides. This makes it look like they have no hair on their back, hence their name.

Habitat

Bare-backed Fruit-bats are the only Australian megabats that roost in caves. Groups of around 100 bats roost together in very dark places such as in caves, unused mines and houses as well as under piles of large rocks and in thick vegetation.

Distribution


Distribution data sourced from the Atlas of Living Australia

Feeding and diet

The Bare-backed Fruit-bat feeds on the nectar and pollen of native trees and introduced species such as banana flowers, and on native and introduced fruits.

Conservation status

The Bare-backed Fruit-bat is vulnerable to the loss of feeding areas from forestry operations, clearing of native vegetation and land degradation from agriculture.