Researchers have discovered a large population of flying foxes (pteropus spp) in Phu Quoc island district, southern Kien Giang province.

The population, with an estimated 1,500 individuals, is believed to be the largest discovered in Vietnam so far.

According to the Director of the Australian non-governmental organisation, WAR, in Vietnam, Nguyen Vu Khoi, the colony of bats has been identified as the giant flying fox (pteropus vampryrus), the lesser flying fox (pteropus cf hypomelanus) and Lylei’s flying fox (pteropus lylei).

Currently, these bats are found only in the southern provinces of Soc Trang, Kien Giang and Ca Mau.
The animal is being nominated to be listed in Vietnam’s Red book of protected species.

VietNamNet/VOV