Which flying fox is widely recognized as the world’s largest bat by wingspan?

The giant golden-crowned flying fox is widely recognized as the world’s largest bat by wingspan.

This fruit bat is endemic to the Philippines and can reach a wingspan of about 1.7 metres. Its dark body and golden-orange crown give it its common name, while its long wings allow it to travel between forest trees and feeding sites.

It eats fruit and helps disperse seeds, making it an important forest animal. Colonies may roost in large trees near rivers or agricultural areas, although disturbance can cause them to abandon roosts.

The species is threatened by hunting and deforestation. “Largest bat” can refer to wingspan or mass; by mass, some other flying foxes can approach or exceed it, so the measurement matters.