The distribution of flying fox (Pteropus spp.) in the central region of Thailand.

The study of flying fox (Pteropus spp.) distribution had been conducted during 2010 and 2011 in the central region of Thailand. This study was aimed to update the current status of flying foxis habitats and use as database for epidemiological study in order to prevent their potential zoonoses. From our survey, we found 14 rooting sites including 10 previously reported and 4 newly discovered sites. These new sites were mangrove forest, Muang, Samut Sakorn, Banklong Thonglang, Banglen, Nakhon Pathom, Private area, Hanka, Chainat and Nongseedam Temple, Nongsaeng, Saraburi. Furthermore, it was also found that the distribution of flying fox covered 10 provinces of the central region, composing of Angthong, Suphanburi, Singburi, Ayutthaya, Samut Sakorn, Saraburi, Nakhon Nayok, Chainat, Nakhon Pathom, and Bangkok. Since more rooting sites and higher number of flying fox were discovered as well as their distributing areas has expanded, it was suggested that the overall population of flying fox in this region has an increasing tendency.