Egyptian fruit bats are in the genus Rousettus, there are 10 species of bats in this genera. Egyptian fruit bats are found throughout most of Africa, and especially in Egypt. They can also be found in Turkey and Cyprus to Pakistan, and the Arabian Peninsula, occurring in a variety of habitats, from lowlands to mountains. They roost in ancient tombs and temples, rock crevices, garden trees, and date plantations. While flying in the darkness they utter a high-pitched buzzing call, or echolocation. Rousettus bats are the only genus of megachiroptera which echolocates. The diet of the Egyptian fruit bat is fruit juices and flower nectar. In the course of obtaining nectar from different flowers, these bats carry pollen from one place to another. They help pollinate many tropical rainforest trees.

Egyptian fruit bats can be found roosting in groups as small as 2 or 3 bats to as many as 2,000. Both male and female bats roost together in a colony. The bats crowd close together, always making body contact, especially with their young ones.

These bats usually have only one baby each year, however sometimes they have twins. The mother bats carry their young at first, then leave them at the roosts while they hunt for fruit. Babies are about 3 months old before they learn to fly on their own. Young ones stay in the same colony as their moms and dads for most, if not all, of their lives.