The Canadian Encyclopedia — neutral, cited, updated
July 26, 2026Sources cited
Canadianwire.
Canada’s encyclopedia & explainer
Home›Science & Nature›Mammals›Golden-crowned Flying Fox
Science & Nature • Mammals

Golden-crowned Flying Fox

The golden-crowned flying fox is a large fruit bat species endemic to the Philippines.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The golden-crowned flying fox (Acerodon jubatus) is a large fruit bat endemic to the Philippines. It is also known as the giant golden-crowned flying fox or golden-capped fruit bat. The species is listed as Endangered by the IUCN.

Description

The golden-crowned flying fox is a very large fruit bat with golden fur on the head and a fox-like face. Sources describe it as one of the largest bat species, with exceptionally large wingspan and body size.

Distribution and habitat

The species is endemic to the Philippines and is found in forested areas. Bat Conservation International notes that it occurs widely in the country except for the Batanes and Babuyan island groups.

Diet and behaviour

This bat is a fig specialist, feeding mainly on fruits of fig trees and sometimes on banyan fruit and leaves. It roosts in trees, often in mixed colonies with other bat species.

Conservation

The species is listed as Endangered by the IUCN. Reported threats include hunting, poaching, and severe habitat loss, especially from forest destruction and disturbance at roost sites.

Key facts

  • It is a megabat species native only to the Philippines.
  • The species is commonly called the giant golden-crowned flying fox or golden-capped fruit bat.
  • It is classified as Endangered on the IUCN Red List.
  • It feeds mainly on figs, with other fruit and some leaves also reported.
  • Major threats include hunting and habitat loss.
🍁
Canadian context

The species is of interest to Canadian readers through wildlife conservation, biodiversity, and zoo or research coverage of endangered tropical mammals.

Frequently asked questions

What is the scientific name of the golden-crowned flying fox?
Its scientific name is Acerodon jubatus.
Where is the golden-crowned flying fox found?
It is endemic to the Philippines and occurs only there.
What does it eat?
It mainly eats figs and other fruit, and may also consume banyan fruit and leaves.
Is the species endangered?
Yes. The IUCN lists it as Endangered.
Why is it called a flying fox?
The name refers to its fox-like face; the species also has a distinctive golden crown of fur on its head.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Giant_golden-crowned_flying_fox
    Supports: Scientific name, endemic range, and IUCN Endangered status.
  2. Bat Conservation International — https://www.batcon.org/bat/acerodon-jubatus/
    Supports: Common names, diet, habitat, conservation status, and physical description.
  3. Facts and Details — https://factsanddetails.com/asian/cat68/Small_Medium_Size_Mammals/entry-9259.html
    Supports: Body size and conservation threats.