The black-bearded tomb bat (Taphozous melanopogon) is a species of sac-winged bat found in South and South East Asia.

Taxonomy and etymology

It was described as a new species in 1841 by Dutch zoologist Coenraad Jacob Temminck. The holotype was collected on Java. Its species name "melanopogon" comes from Ancient Greek "mélās" meaning "black" and "pṓgōn" meaning "beard".

Description

The black-bearded tomb bat has a forearm length of 55-68 mm. 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.

Biology and ecology

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.

Range and habitat

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 above sea level.