Tent construction and social organization in Cynopterus brachyotis (Muller) (Chiroptera: Pteropodidae) in Peninsular Malaysia

Abstract

This study examined the tent-making behaviour and social organization of the lesser dog-faced fruit bat, Cynopterus brachyotis (Muller), in Peninsular Malaysia. Cynopterus brachyotis alters the leaves of eight species of broad-leafed palms (Palmae) to form palmate umbrella tents, the leaves of Scindapsus aureus Engl. (Araceae) to form apical tents, and the leaves of Dracaena fragrans Ker-Gawl (Liliaceae) to form conical tents. Cynopterus brachyotis also severed the roots of Cymbidium finlaysonianum Lindl (Orchidaceae), and the leaves and stems of Philodendron lacerum Schott (Araceae) to form stem tents. In addition, C. brachyotis also roosted in unmodified plants. Cynopterus brachyotis possesses a harem type of social organization, but it was not possible to distinguish between a resource-defence polygyny and female-defence polygyny mating system. Our observations indicate that dominant males construct tents, and recruit females for the purpose of gaining reproductive access.