[2] The black-eared flying fox is native to various island groups in the Indo-Pacific.

[1] The black-eared flying fox is more diurnal than most bats,[citation needed] emerging from its roosts before dusk and feeding on the fruits and flowers of at least twenty-six species of forest trees at least ten of which are introduced species.

Destruction of its forest habitat reduces the availability of roosting sites and the animal is hunted by man for food.

The crushed bones of this species are used in traditional medicine to relieve asthma symptoms.

However, it has proved adaptable to changes in diet and now feeds on a number of introduced species of plant.