Comparative ecology of three pteropid bats in Rio Muni, West Africa

Abstract

Data on morphologic features, habits, stratification, flight, and thermal response are presented for Eidolon helvum, Epomops franqueti, and Micropteropus pusillus from Rio Muni, West Africa. Relative abundance and reproduction activities of these pteropids are concordant with seasonal rainfall and availability of foods in Rio Muni. There are major differences between these sympatric species with regard to roosting sites, foods and feeding behaviour, levels of flight, and aerodynamic properties. Thermal responses vary between the species and are correlated with differences in behavioural thermoregulation.