Fruit Bat Cynopterus Brachyotis Research Articles

Old World Fruit Bats (Pteropodidae, Chiroptera) from the Pleistocene of Vietnam.

Isolated teeth of a lesser short-nosed fruit bat Cynopterus brachyotis (Müller, 1838), a fulvous fruit bat Rousettus leschenaultii (Desmarest, 1820), and a dawn bat Eonycteris spelaea (Dobson, 1871) are described from the Middle Pleistocene Tham Hai cave locality in northern Vietnam (Lang Son Province). These are the first fossil findings of the Old World fruit bats in Vietnam. The Middle Pleistocene association of Pteropodidae from the Tham Hai locality may largely reflect the composition of species that roosted in local caves.

Phylogenetic and genetic variation analysis of lesser short-nosed fruit bat Cynopterus brachyotis (Müller 1838) on Java island, Indonesia, inferred from mitochondrial D-loop

BackgroundCynopterus brachyotis (Müller 1838) is a generalist and widespread fruit bat species which inhabits different types of habitats in Southeast Asia. This species plays an essential role as a seed disperser and pollinator. Morphological study and phylogenetic analysis using mtDNA markers (cyt-b and D-loop) revealed that this species had two different forms in peninsular Malaysia and Borneo and six lineages in Southeast Asia that lead to new species formation. In addition, this species is also reported to have high genetic diversity in Malaysia and Thailand based on the D-loop sequence. However, a phylogenetic and genetic variation study of C. brachyotis in Indonesia has not been conducted yet. These two studies are important as additional information for taxonomic and population genetic studies of this species. Thus, we performed the phylogenetic and genetic diversity analysis of the C. brachyotis population collected from seven habitats on Java island, including open-fragmented habitats (urban, coffee and rubber plantations, pine forest, secondary forest, mangrove forest) and closed habitats (natural forest) using the mtDNA D-loop marker. ResultsThe phylogenetic tree using the Bayesian inference (BI) and genetic distance using the Kimura-2 parameter (K-2P) demonstrated that 33 individuals of C. brachyotis from seven habitats on Java island overlapped between habitats and could not be distinguished according to their habitats and lineage. Intrapopulation and intraspecies analysis revealed high haplotype diversity of this species on Java island (Hd = 0.933–1.000). The haplotype network was split into two haplogroups, showing haplotype sharing between habitats. These phylogenetic and genetic variations analysis of C. brachyotis bats on Java island indicated that this species is widespread and adapt to different habitats. ConclusionsThis study of C. brachyotis on Java island collected from seven different habitats has overlapped and genetically close and has high genetic variation. Our results provide the first reported study of C. brachyotis on Java island and provide data to understand the phylogenetic and genetic diversity of this species in Indonesia.

Karyotype variation in lesser short-nosed fruit bat Cynopterus brachyotis (Müller 1838) from Special Region Yogyakarta, Indonesia

Abstract. Mubarok H, Handayani NSN, Maryanto I, Arisuryanti T. 2021. Karyotype variation in lesser short-nosed fruit bat Cynopterus brachyotis (Müller 1838) from Special Region Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 22: 2560-2568. Lesser short-nosed fruit bat Cynopterus brachyotis is a widespread fruit bat in different habitats. This species is suspected to have chromosome morphology variation, since karyotype data in Indochinese Peninsula, Borneo, West Java, and the Philippines has been revealed. Karyotype data can provide basic information on taxonomic relationships, evolutionary origins, and genetic aberrations. This study aimed to analyze karyotype variation in C. brachyotis from different habitats in a special region of Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Total 14 sample bats were mist-nets trapped, including six individuals from an urban area, three individuals from natural forest, and five individuals from mangrove forest. Chromosome preparations were conducted using the splash method with bone marrow, including treatment of colchicine 0.005%, 0.075M KCl solution, Carnoy solution, and Giemsa staining. Chromosome was analyzed and classified using ImageJ Levan Plugin software. The result showed C. brachyotis from different habitats in this study indicated karyotype variation and have different karyotype from West Java samples. Males C. brachyotis from mangrove forest have a karyotype formula of 2n=34, FN=61, 16m+8sm+2st+6t, X=st, and Y=t, while female C. brachyotis from the urban area have karyotype formula of 2n=34, FN=62, 16m+4sm +6st+6st, and X=st.

<b>Foraging and roosting ecology of the Lesser Dog-faced Fruit Bat <I>Cynopterus brachyotis</I> (Mammalia: Chiroptera: Pteropodidae) in southern India</b>

The Lesser Dog-faced Fruit Bat Cynopterus brachyotis was found at higher elevations but since there is a paucity of reports on its distribution and habitat selection, an inventory was made at four locations in the Eastern and Western Ghats of southern India where the elevation ranged from 200–1,500 m. The C. brachyotis roosts were distributed between 600–1,500 m. Day roosts were found at an elevation of about 1,000m in Sirumalai and Yercaud Hill stations. Mist-netting studies, however, revealed that C. brachyotis was widely distributed at different elevations ranging from 600–1,500 m. Moreover, through a radio-telemetry study, we determined that the males foraged at shorter distances from the day roost, whereas the females commuted longer distances and used more than one foraging area. The male bats’ time of emergence is significantly less than females; in addition, males frequently return to their day-roost and made several short foraging flights spaced randomly throughout the night. These observations suggest that some type of territoriality is associated with their roost, which appears to be the basis of social organization in C. brachyotis. Overall, this study provides detailed information about the foraging and roosting ecology of C. brachyotis in southern India.

Characteristics of complete mitogenome of the lesser short-nosed fruit bat Cynopterus brachyotis (Chiroptera: Pteropodidae) in Malaysia

We describe the characteristics of complete mitogenome of C. brachyotis in this article. The complete mitogenome of C. brachyotis is 16,701 bp long with a total base composition of 32.4% A, 25.7% T, 27.7% C and 14.2% G. The mitogenome consists of 13 protein-coding genes (11,408 bp), (KM659865) two rRNA (12S rRNA and 16S rRNA) genes (2,539 bp), 22 tRNA genes (1518 bp) and one control region (1239 bp).

Isolation and identification of gastrointestinal microbiota from the short-nosed fruit bat Cynopterus brachyotis brachyotis

Studies on the microbial ecology of gut microbiota in bats are limited and such information is necessary in determining the ecological significance of these hosts. Short-nosed fruit bats (Cynopterus brachyotis brachyotis) are good candidates for microbiota studies given their close association with humans in urban areas. Thus, this study explores the gut microbiota of this species from Peninsular Malaysia by means of biochemical tests and 16S rRNA gene sequences analysis. The estimation of viable bacteria present in the stomach and intestine of C. b. brachyotis ranged from 3.06×1010 to 1.36×1015CFU/ml for stomach fluid and 1.92×1010 to 6.10×1015CFU/ml for intestinal fluid. A total of 34 isolates from the stomach and intestine of seven C. b. brachyotis were retrieved. A total of 16 species of bacteria from eight genera (Bacillus, Enterobacter, Enterococcus, Escherichia, Klebsiella, Pantoea, Pseudomonas and Serratia) were identified, Enterobacteriaceae being the most prevalent, contributing 12 out of 16 species isolated. Most isolates from the Family Enterobacteriaceae have been reported as pathogens to humans and wildlife. With the possibility of human wildlife transmission, the findings of this study focus on the importance of bats as reservoirs of potential bacterial pathogens.

Cave bats of the central west coast and southern section of the Northwest Panay Peninsula, Panay Island, the Philippines

Bats (order Chiroptera) form a large proportion of the species-rich mammalian fauna of the Philippines, and while the threats posed to these animals are well documented, for many species there is currently insufficient data to enable even a basic assessment of their conservation status. This is true for Panay Island, located in the Western Visayas region of the archipelago, where the need for surveying remaining suitable bat habitat has been identified as a priority. Between 5 April and 9 May 2011 a survey of 21 caves was undertaken on Panay, along the central section of the west coast of the island and within the southern section of the Northwest Panay Peninsula. Survey methods included visual observations, emergence counts and the recording of echolocation calls. Of the caves surveyed, 19 were found to support bats or show signs of their use, and at least 12 different species were observed. Three large maternity colonies of the Common Rousette Rousettus amplexicaudatus and two of the Dusky Roundleaf Bat Hipposideros ater were noted as having particular significance in terms of their conservation value for local populations. Potential maternity colonies of Asian Lesser False Vampire Megaderma spasma, Black-bearded Tomb Bat Taphozous melanopogon and Diadem Roundleaf Bat Hipposideros diadema were also observed but not confirmed. M. spasma was the most frequently encountered species, occurring in small numbers at five different caves. Other species/genera encountered in small numbers were the Arcuate Horseshoe Bat Rhinolophus arcuatus, Common Short-nosed Fruit Bat Cynopterus brachyotis, Philippine Sheath-tailed Bat Emballonura alecto, Yellow-faced Horseshoe Bat Rhinolophus virgo, Bent-wing (Miniopterus) and Myotis bat species, and at least one other Horseshoe (Rhinolophus) bat species. Ten of the caves were confirmed to support multiple bat species. An indication of current threats and recommendations for further survey and management priorities are provided.

Reproduction in the short‐nosed fruit bat in relation to environmental factors

AbstractThe reproductive pattern of the short‐nosed fruit bat Cynopterus brachyotis in a tropical dry evergreen rainforest in Thailand (13°N) is characterized by seasonal bimodal polyoestry with postpartum oestrus. The first lactation period occurred in March–April, but the timing of the second varied between years: September–October in 1998 and July–August in 1999. Females may experience reproductive delays after the second parturition. Females attained sexual maturity at 6–7 months of age and gave birth for the first time at about 11–12 months, and are able to produce two young a year. Females born in April gave birth as early as March the following year. Those born in August–September first gave birth in July–August the following year. Males attained sexual maturity when they were a year old. Testis size was significantly positively correlated with photoperiod. The body weight of mature males varied cyclically, was higher during breeding periods and was significantly correlated with testis size. The first parturition coincided with the onset of the annual rains and the second occurred in the middle of the rainy season. Both lactation and weaning periods correspond with high food availability. A significantly higher percentage of reproductive females, earlier parturition, greater synchrony of lactation, higher body mass of lactating females, more abundant, larger and heavier juveniles, and heavier mature males were recorded in 1999 compared with 1998. The El Niño Southern Oscillation resulted in a prolonged and severe drought early in 1998, and induced mast fruiting in 1999 that led to higher reproductive success. Photoperiod may regulate the reproductive rhythm in male C. brachyotis, although experimental studies are required to verify this.

Hematozoa form mammals of South Vietnam.

SYNOPSIS. Blood smears from 519 mammals of South Vietnam were examined for hematozoa. Trypanosomes were found in Rattus norvegicus, R. exulans, R. nitidus, and Rattus sp. Hepatocystis vassali occurred in squirrels Callosciurus flavimanus; erythrocytic stages and liver merocysts were seen. Fruit bats Cynopterus brachyotis and one insectivorous bat Hipposideros larvatus, harbored closely related but as yet unidentified hemosporidia. Piroplasms were found only in carnivores: ferret‐badgers Melogale personata, palm civets Paradoxurus hermaphroditus, and mongooses Herpestes javanicus.