The Bismarck masked flying fox (Pteropus capistratus) is a species of flying fox in the family Pteropodidae found in Papua New Guinea and named after the Bismarck Archipelago. It was once considered a subspecies of Pteropus temminckii before being reassessed in 2001. This species has two subspecies, P. c. capistratus and P. c. ennisae. The IUCN classified it as Near Threatened in 2009, noting that the rate of decline is almost high enough to reclassify the species as Vulnerable.

Taxonomy

The Bismarck masked flying fox was described as a new species in 1867 by German naturalist Wilhelm Peters. Prior to 1995, the Bismarck masked flying fox was largely considered a subspecies of the Temminck's flying fox (Pteropus temminckii).

Description

Its forearm length is 109-118 mm.

Biology and ecology

It is one of the rare species of mammals in which the males can lactate. It is generally solitary, though males and females may roost together in pairs.

Range and habitat

The Bismarck masked flying fox is endemic to Papua New Guinea where it has been documented at a range of elevations from 0-1200 m above sea level.

Conservation

As of 2021, it is evaluated as a vulnerable species by the IUCN. It meets the criteria for this designation because it has a small population size, likely numbering fewer than 10,000 mature individuals. It is experiencing significant habitat loss and population decline.