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Common Name : Long-armed Seth-tailed Bat     -       Scientific Name : Taphozous longimanus       -       Other Name : Long-winged Tomb Bat (E), Dikba Kepulum Wawla (S)
Thanthirimale
05/22/2016
Thanthirimale
05/22/2016
Thanthirimale
05/22/2016
Weewala Bungalow
05/21/2016

This is an uncommon species of bat found in small colonies both in the dry zone and the wet zone.  Other than in Sri Lanka it is also found in India, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar and Thailand. 

The conservation status of this species is regarded as endangered (National Red List 2012).

This is a species protected under the Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance as amended by Act No. 22 of 2009.

W.W.A. Phillips, the author of Mammals of Ceylon, 1935 states that it is found up to about 4000 feet (1300 meters) in the hills.

This is a carnivorous bat that feeds on Termites, Cockroaches and other insects. According to the available literature they occupy caves and tree holes during the day and start hunting at dusk.

In Wilpattu I have observed this species at the Thanthirimale DWC staff quarters and the Weewala Bungalow.