Comparison of the External Morphology of Straw- coloured Fruit Bats on Different Locations on Obafemi Awolowo University Campus

Abstract

Background of the Study: In the past few years, the presence of straw-coloured fruit bats in various parts of the University has been of a great concern to the University community. The movement of straw-coloured fruit bats from one location to another also creates concern of possible destruction of some important ecosystem features on campus.
 Objective of the Study: This study compared the external morphology of straw-coloured fruit bats from three different locations on Obafemi Awolowo University campus students’ residential area, academic area and staff quarters).
 Methodology: Non-lethal trap and mist nets were used in collecting the Straw-coloured fruit bats between June and December 2019. Captured specimen were transported in cages into the laboratory and chloroform was used to anesthetize the specimens before measuring the external morphometric parameters (HB, FA, HF, TIB, EL, TL, Tr, TBL and BW) with the aid of ruler and venier calliper.
 Results and Conclusion: A total of 114 fruit bats (66 male and 58 female) were sampled with the use of non-lethal trap and mist nets. The mean Head body length for male specimens from the three locations were 204.6±2.1 mm, 214.6±1.2 mm and 216.6±2.6 mm and the mean body weight were 208.5±2.4, 224.6±2.1 and 254.3±2.9 g respectively. The mean Head body length of female specimens were 158.5±1.1 mm, 172.8±1.5 mm, and 186.5±2.6 mm and the mean of body weight from all the locations were 184.6±2.0, 206.5±2.1 and 232.6±2.9g. The specimens from Student hostel had the lowest external morphometric parameters values, while specimens from Staff quarters had the highest morphometric values. The PCA scatter plot showed no relationship in the morphometric parameters of all the specimens from the three locations. The PCA loading showed that HB, TIB and the BW of all the specimen had negative correlation which may be due to different factors. In conclusion, the Straw-coloured fruit Bat on OAU campus showed different external morphometry which may be due to roosting, foraging and predator.