Assessing the Home Range, Foraging Pattern and Roost Fidelity of Greater Short-nosed Fruit Bat (Cynopterus sphinx) in a Semi-Urban Environment

Abstract

Radio telemetry is a method used in wildlife ecology to examine the movements and behaviours of animals, as well as to define their home ranges and habitat preferences. Bats, a highly diverse group of mammals, are recognized for their essential contributions to ecosystems, including seed dispersal, pollination, and pest control through their foraging activities. This study utilised radio telemetry to explore the basic foraging behaviours, range of movement, and roosting flexibility of the Cynopterus sphinx species. A total of 15 bats were equipped with compact, hand-wired, two-stage transmitter radio devices, including two harem males, nine harem females, and four non-harem males. Three groups used TRX-1000S receivers and collapsible 5-element Yagi antennas to track these radio-tagged bats. Our findings indicate that the radio-tagged female bats were the first to leave their roosts, with emergence times between 18:15 and 19:18 hrs. In contrast, harem males emerged last, following the quicker departure of non-harem males. The harem males covered an average foraging distance of 2.4 km (±0.3 km), whereas non-harem males travelled further. Both male and female bats visited multiple feeding sites nightly, with females travelling an average distance of 4.5 km (±0.9 km). Time spent at foraging sites varied among individuals. Males show higher roost fidelity than females, who frequently move between harems and roost sites. The study highlighted gender-specific differences in emergence times and distinct foraging behaviours, underlining the importance of understanding these patterns for conservation and habitat management efforts, which are crucial for supporting bats' roles as providers of ecosystem services.