Abstract
We studied wing loading of adult male (n=6) and female (n=5) of the Indian false vampire bat Megaderma lyra under seminatural conditions in an outdoor enclosure. Before releasing the bats into the enclosure, we measured their body mass, forearm length, wing area and wingspan. They were fed with frogs of four different categories of body lengths such as A = 3.0-3.5, B = 4.0-4.5, C = 5.0-5.5 and D = 6.0-6.5 cm. Bats were able to capture frogs A - C and carry them to roosts, that were at a height of 260 cm from the ground. However, when they captured frogs of the size D, most of the times they dropped the latter either after reaching the roost or even while carrying them. Alternatively, the bats carried the frogs (size D) but landed at a place (n = 30) closer to the ground and began consuming the prey. In general, greater the size of frogs, higher the wing loading of bats.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: Proceedings of the Indian National Science Academy
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
