Most records are from primary montane mossy forest, it is also present in secondary and primary montane forest but absent in lowland forest (Heaney et al. 2006). During surveys on Mount Kitanglad A. paucidentata always occurred with Haplonycteris fischeri (Heaney et al. 2006).

The Mindanao Pygmy Fruit Bat is endemic to the Philippines where it is restricted to Mindanao on Mounts Kitanglad (Bukidnon province) (Heaney et al. 1998) and Kalatungan (D. Warguez pers. comm. 2006) where it occupies an elevational range of 1,500-2,250 m asl. As there have not been sufficient surveys for this species elsewhere in relevant habitat on Mindanao, it has not been confirmed whether the species is more widespread there, though it is expected to occur in the central mountains of the island (Heaney et al. 2006), such as on Mount Ragang.

A. paucidentata occurs in a protected area. Surveys are needed to confirm whether or not it occurs more widely at high elevations in central Mindanao.

Research needs

Studies are needed on the species’ population sizes, distribution, and extent of occurrence throughout its range. Monitoring of population sizes and locations over time are also important to establish whether these are stable or experiencing trends of decline.

The threats to these bats are poorly understood. Studies are needed on the species’ habitat requirements and on the effects of forest loss and degradation on the species’ population sizes/distribution.