The large flying fox (P. vampyrus) is the world’s largest bat, with a wingspan that can reach up to 6 feet.
Large flying foxes and island flying foxes (P. hypomelanus) roost in trees but almost never co-roost.
For decades, the Malaysian government licensed the hunting of bats, resulting in up to 22,000 bat deaths yearly. Seven years ago, hunting restrictions were tightened, but enforcement is difficult in the country’s rural outreaches.
