Two Bats in the Seychelles

Abstract

Counts of the two endemic bats in the Seychelles in 1977 suggested that the fruit bat Pteropus seychellensis occurred in large numbers on Praslin and La Digue. But the author suggests that the number taken for food, especially for the tourist restaurants on Mahé, is excessive and should be curbed; tree-felling in suitable roosting areas should also be discouraged. The other bat, the small insectivorous Coleura seychellensis, is clearly endangered — only six were found despite an extensive search — and complete protection is called for.