Kingdom Animalia Order Chiroptera Genus Scotonycteris Higher classification Scotonycteris | Phylum Chordata Family Pteropodidae Scientific name Scotonycteris ophiodon Rank Species | |
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Similar Hayman's dwarf epaulette, São Tomé collared fruit bat, East African epaulette, Woermann's bat, Angolan epauletted fruit bat | ||
Pohle's fruit bat (Scotonycteris ophiodon) is a near threatened species of megabat found in the subtropical or tropical forests of Cameroon, the Republic of Congo, Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana and Liberia.
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Characteristics
These bats are also known as 'tear-drop' fruit bats because of the prominent tear-like white spots found on both sides of their eyes and on their upper lips. Their fur is tainted and the wings a dark brown. They measure 74-78 millimeters and weigh between 35 and 60 grams.
Ecology
These bats live in the lowland forests of West and Central Africa, mostly in the lowest level of undergrowth, where they feed on various fruits and flowers.
Conservation
The main threats to this species' habitat include agriculture, mining, logging, and human disturbances such as fire. There are established policy based legislation actions as well as habitat and site-based action in protected areas.