12. Taphozous melanopogon Temminck, 1841

Black-bearded Tomb Bat

New records

North Andaman Islands: Ramnagar; Middle Andaman Islands: Baratang Island, Burmadera, Interview Island, Mayabunder, and Nayadera; South Andaman Islands: Chidiatapu, Havelock Island, and Ross Island; Little Andaman Island: Hut Bay.

Previous records

North Andaman Islands: Landfall Island (ZSIK); Middle Andaman Islands: Webi (HZM).

Comments

Out of 23 individuals captured 13 were collected. Historically, this species has been recorded to be present from Mandapahar, South Andaman Island (Hill, 1967). Aul et al. (2014) reported the presence of this species from Craggy Island, Chalis Ek, and Chipo in North Andaman Islands; Baratang Island, Interview Island and Mayabunder in Middle Andaman Islands; Ross Island in South Andaman Islands; Rutland Island, V.K. Pur and Hut Bay in Little Andaman Island. This is a widespread species on the Andaman Islands and roosts in bunkers and caves.