Greater Asian Yellow Bat

The greater Asian yellow bat is a large house bat with yellowish-brown to olive fur, a broad head and dark wings. It belongs to Scotophilus, whose robust jaws and long wings distinguish its members from small pipistrelles. Current taxonomy recognizes S. heathii across a broad continental Asian range (Mammal Diversity Database; Mammal Species of the World).

It occurs from Afghanistan and South Asia to southern China, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam. Colonies commonly use roof spaces, tree hollows and other warm shelters near woodland or farmland, emerging to catch larger flying insects. Its tolerance of modified habitat helps explain the English name ‘yellow house bat’ (regional bat accounts). It is Nationally Least Concern (Thailand Red Data 2025).