About Taphozous melanopogon Temminck, 1841
Nomenclature
Taphozous melanopogon Temminck, 1841, commonly called the black-bearded tomb bat, has a forearm length ranging from 55–68 mm (2.2–2.7 in).
Facial Feature
It has a small "beard", which is a tuft of black fur on its chin.
Fur Coloration
Its fur is blackish-brown, with the base of each individual hair colored white.
Geographic Range
This species has a wide distribution across Asia and Southeast Asia, and its confirmed range includes Brunei, Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Timor-Leste, and Vietnam.
Elevation Range
It has been recorded at elevations up to 800 m (2,600 ft) above sea level.
Colonial Behavior
The black-bearded tomb bat is highly colonial, and when roosting it forms large aggregations that can reach up to 15,000 individuals.
Roosting Habitat
Its roosts are found in temples, ruins, or caves.
Breeding Biology
It breeds seasonally, and young are born after a gestation period of 120–125 days.
Litter Size
The typical litter size is one young, though twins have been documented in this species.
