Bare-backed Fruit-bat

Family: Pteropodidae
Scientific name: Dobsonia magna

Where they roost:
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.

What they eat:
Nectar and pollen of native trees, introduced species such as banana flowers, and native and introduced fruits.

Conservation threats:
Vulnerable to loss of feeding areas from forestry operations, clearing of native vegetation and land degradation from agriculture.

Other information:
Their 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.

Photo © BG Thompson