Fruit Bats Pteropus Research Articles

Staphylococcus aureus lineages associated with a free-ranging population of the fruit bat Pteropus livingstonii retained over 25 years in captivity

Conservation of endangered species has become increasingly complex, and costly interventions to protect wildlife require a robust scientific evidence base. This includes consideration of the role of the microbiome in preserving animal health. Captivity introduces stressors not encountered in the wild including environmental factors and exposure to exotic species, humans and antimicrobial drugs. These stressors may perturb the microbiomes of wild animals, with negative consequences for their health and welfare and hence the success of the conservation project, and ultimately the risk of release of non-native organisms into native ecosystems. We compared the genomes of Staphylococcus aureus colonising critically endangered Livingstone’s fruit bats (Pteropus livingstonii) which have been in a captive breeding programme for 25 years, with those from bats in the endemic founder population free ranging in the Comoros Republic. Using whole genome sequencing, we compared 47 isolates from captive bats with 37 isolates from those free ranging in the Comoros Republic. Our findings demonstrate unexpected resilience in the bacteria carried, with the captive bats largely retaining the same two distinctive lineages carried at the time of capture. In addition, we found evidence of genomic changes which suggest specific adaptations to the bat host.

Characterization of a Novel Alphaherpesvirus Isolated from the Fruit Bat Pteropus lylei in Vietnam.

Herpesviruses exist in nature within each host animal. Ten herpesviruses have been isolated from bats and their biological properties reported. A novel bat alphaherpesvirus, which we propose to name "Pteropus lylei-associated alphaherpesvirus (PLAHV)," was isolated from urine of the fruit bat Pteropus lylei in Vietnam and characterized. The entire genome sequence was determined to be 144,008 bp in length and predicted to include 72 genes. PLAHV was assigned to genus Simplexvirus with other bat alphaherpesviruses isolated from pteropodid bats in Southeast Asia and Africa. The replication capacity of PLAHV in several cells was evaluated in comparison with that of herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1). PLAHV replicated better in the bat-originated cell line and less in human embryonic lung fibroblasts than HSV-1 did. PLAHV was serologically related to another bat alphaherpesvirus, Pteropodid alphaherpesvirus 1 (PtAHV1), isolated from a Pteropus hypomelanus-related bat captured in Indonesia, but not with HSV-1. PLAHV caused lethal infection in mice. PLAHV was as susceptible to acyclovir as HSV-1 was. Characterization of this new member of bat alphaherpesviruses, PLAHV, expands the knowledge on bat-associated alphaherpesvirology.IMPORTANCE A novel bat alphaherpesvirus, Pteropus lylei-associated alphaherpesvirus (PLAHV), was isolated from urine of the fruit bat Pteropus lylei in Vietnam. The whole-genome sequence was determined and was predicted to include 72 open reading frames in the 144,008-bp genome. PLAHV is circulating in a species of fruit bats, Pteropus lylei, in Asia. This study expands the knowledge on bat-associated alphaherpesvirology.

<b>Taking the first steps: Initial mapping of the human-wildlife interaction of the Mauritius Fruit Bat Pteropus niger (Mammalia: Chiroptera: Pteropodidae) in Mauritius by conservation organizations</b>

Interactions between people and wildlife have both positive and negative aspects. Negative interactions, commonly termed human-wildlife conflict (HWC), have increased in recent decades due to a number of factors including difficulties in identifying and communicating the complexities of stakeholder values and positions over wildlife and its management. Here, we present the perceptions of two conservation organizations on the landscape of HWC involving the threatened Mauritius Fruit Bat Pteropus niger, Kerr 1792 in Mauritius, including damage to fruit crops and controversial government culls in 2015 and 2016. Participants identified 18 stakeholders in the conflict varying in importance and influence, examined where and how hostility is manifested, and delineated both perceived and real costs of the conflict. Additionally, 13 environmental and 17 social risk factors associated with the conflict were categorized, along with potential policy and management options for mitigation. We argue that initial in-house workshops are advantageous in understanding conservation conflicts before extending dialogue with other stakeholders.

Emergence of Nipah Virus: Need More R&D and Public Health Infrastructure

Emergence of Nipah Virus: Need More R&D and Public Health Infrastructure

A bat on the brink? A range-wide survey of the Critically Endangered Livingstone's fruit bat Pteropus livingstonii

AbstractThe Livingstone's fruit bat Pteropus livingstonii is endemic to the small islands of Anjouan and Mohéli in the Comoros archipelago, Indian Ocean. The species is under threat from anthropogenic pressure on the little that remains of its forest habitat, now restricted to the islands’ upper elevations and steepest slopes. We report the results of the most comprehensive survey of this species to date, and present recommendations for ongoing field conservation efforts and monitoring. Morning counts were conducted at roost sites in the wet and dry seasons during 2011–2013. Habitat structure around the roosting sites was characterized and roost numbers compared, to investigate the potential effect of habitat loss and degradation. We estimate the population to comprise c. 1,260 individuals distributed across 21 roosts on the two islands. All occupied roosting sites were restricted to a narrow altitudinal range, and roosting populations in agroforestry areas were smaller than those found in degraded and undisturbed forest. Only one of the 16 roosts on Anjouan was found in undisturbed, old-growth forest with no nearby signs of clearance for agriculture or landslides following tree-felling upslope. Following a suspected severe population decline as a result of widespread and long-term forest loss Livingstone's fruit bat has been recategorized as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List.

Factors explaining the dispersal of Hendra virus disease in South-East Queensland

Hendra virus (HeV) was first described in 1994 following the outbreak of a new disease fatally affecting horses and humans in South-east Queensland. The disease kills 70% of the infected horses and under some circumstances the virus is spread to humans who have had close contact with the infected horses. Fruit bats (Pteropus spp.) commonly known as flying foxes have been identified as the natural host of the virus. A preliminary analysis of the incidents and the flying fox roosting sites revealed a strong relationship between the temporary and seasonal roosting sites in the South-east Queensland. The aim of this paper is to determine the potential factors that can explain the dispersal of HeV incidents in the study area. Based on the preliminary results, a further analysis was done on the roosting sites by considering factors such as the species of flying foxes, foraging range and pregnancy period. Spatial autocorrelation (Global Moran’s I) revealed significant clustering of P. alecto and P. scapulatus species. Kernel density estimation analysis helped in identifying a strong relationship between P. alecto & P. scapulatus species density and the outbreak events in the study area. Buffer analysis established an initial relationship between P. alecto & P. poliocephalus species birth periods and the incidents. Ordinary least-squares regression identified P. poliocephalus species as statistically significant at a global context across the study area. Geographically weighted regression analysis was performed to study the local spatial variations of the explanatory variables. P. alecto & P. poliocephalus species exhibited a significant positive relationship in most of the regions where as pregnancy period variable exhibited a significant negative relationship to the HeV incidents in the study area.

Identification of a novel Afipia species isolated from an Indian flying fox.

An old world fruit bat Pteropus giganteus, held in captivity and suffering from necrosis of its wing digits, failed to respond to antibiotic therapy and succumbed to the infection. Samples submitted to the National Centre for Foreign Animal Disease were tested for viral infection. Vero E6 cells exhibited minor but unique cytopathic effects on second blind passage, and full CPE by passage four. Utilizing an unbiased random amplification technique from cell culture supernatant, we identified a bacterium belonging to the Bradyrhizobiaceae. Purification of cell culture supernatant on TY media revealed a slow growing bacterial isolate. In this study using electron microscopy, 16S rRNA gene analysis and whole genome sequencing, we identify a novel bacterial species associated with the site of infection belonging to the genus Afipia. This genus of bacteria is very diverse, with only a limited number of species characterized. Afipia felis, previously described as the etiological agent to cause cat scratch disease, and Afipia septicemium, most recently shown to cause disease in humans, highlight the potential for members of this genus to form a branch of opportunistic pathogens within the Bradyrhizobiaceae. Increased utilization of next generation sequencing and genomics will aid in classifying additional members of this intriguing bacterial genera.

Molecular characterisation of RIG-I-like helicases in the black flying fox, Pteropus alecto

The RIG-I like helicases, RIG-I, mda5 and LGP2 are an evolutionarily conserved family of cytosolic pattern recognition receptors important in the recognition of viral RNA, and responsible for the innate induction of interferons and proinflammatory cytokines upon viral infection. Bats are natural reservoir hosts to a variety of RNA viruses that cause significant morbidity and mortality in other species; however the mechanisms responsible for the control of viral replication in bats are not understood. This report describes the molecular cloning and expression analysis of RIG-I, mda5 and LGP2 genes in the fruit bat Pteropus alecto, and is the first description of RIG-I like helicases from any species of bat. Our results demonstrate that P. alecto RIG-I, mda5 and LGP2 have similar primary structures and tissue expression patterns to their counterparts in humans and other mammals. Stimulation of bat kidney cells with synthetic dsRNA (poly I:C) induced high levels of interferon β and rapid upregulation of all three helicases. These findings reveal that the cytoplasmic virus sensing machinery is present and intact in P. alecto. This study provides the foundation for further investigations into the interactions between bat RIG-I-like helicases and viruses to elucidate the mechanisms responsible for the asymptomatic nature of viral infections in bats.

Latitudinal range shifts in Australian flying‐foxes: A re‐evaluation

AbstractRecent range shifts towards higher latitudes have been reported for many animals and plants in the northern hemisphere, and are commonly attributed to changes in climate. Relatively little is known about such changes in the southern hemisphere, although it has been suggested that latitudinal distributions of the fruit‐batsPteropus alectoandPteropus poliocephaluschanged during the 20th century in response to climate change in eastern Australia. However, historical changes in these species distributions have not been examined systematically. In this study we obtained historical locality records from a wide range of sources (including banding and museum records, government wildlife databases and unpublished records), and filtered them for reliability and spatial accuracy. The latitudinal distribution of each species was compared between eight time‐periods (1843–1920, 1921–1950, five 10‐year intervals between 1950 and 2000, and 2001–2007), using analyses of both the filtered point data (P. alecto870 records,P. poliocephalus2506) and presence/absence data within 50 × 50 km grid cells. The results do not support the hypothesis that either species range is shifting in a manner driven by climate change. First, neither the northern or southern range limits ofP. poliocephalus(Mackay, Queensland and Melbourne, Victoria respectively) changed over time. Second,P. alecto's range limit extended southward by 1168 km (approximately 10.5 degrees latitude) during the twentieth century (from approximately Rockhampton, Queensland to Sydney, New South Wales). Within this zone of southward expansion (25–29°S), the percentage of total records that wereP. alectoincreased from 8% prior to 1950 to 49% in the early 2000s, and local count data showed that its abundance increased from several hundred to more than 10 000 individuals at specific roost sites, as range expansion progressed.Pteropus alectoexpanded southward at about 100 km/decade, compared with the 10–26 km/decade rate of isotherm change, and analyses of historical weather data show that the species consequently moved into recently‐colder regions than it had previously occupied. Neither climate change nor habitat change could provide simple explanations to explainP. alecto's observed rapid range shift. More generally, climate change should not be uncritically inferred as a primary driver of species range shifts without careful quantitative analyses.

A new estimate of the population size of the Critically Endangered Rodrigues fruit bat Pteropus rodricensis

The Rodrigues fruit bat Pteropus rodricensis is endemic to Rodrigues Island, the smallest of the Mascarene Islands in the Indian Ocean. The species is categorized as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List. A study between February 2001 and February 2002 identified 10 roosts, four previously unrecorded. Roost sites were located in the north and south of the island, all within forested valleys. Sixteen counts of each roost site, evenly spaced throughout the study period, showed dramatic changes in individual colony numbers, suggesting movement between roosts. Simultaneous counts of all colonies resulted in a minimum population estimate of 5,076, which is substantially higher than previous estimates of the species. This is believed to be due to a population increase since the last count, newly identified roosts and the movement of bats into different areas, allowing more accurate counts to be made.

Reinvasion of a Riparian Forest Community by an Animal-dispersed Tree Weed Following Control Measures

Patterns of seed dispersal and the effects of mulching upon Celtis sinensis Pers. seedling establishment were investigated following the removal of this tree weed from a riparian forest community. At the commencement of the study there was virtually no representation of C. sinensis in the soil seed bank. However, subsequent rates of seed immigration were high since mature individuals of C. sinensis remained on the boundary of the site. Fruit bats (Pteropus spp.) were the principal dispersal vectors. Seed rain density of C. sinensis was best fitted by an inverse power distribution, with seed densities in excess of 20 m−2 detected at 70 m from the seed source. Extrapolation from this relationship suggested that a site would have to be more than 350 m from a seed source to reduce the C. sinensis seed rain to less than 1 m−2. More than 98% of the seed rain occurred below the canopies of the native tree species that remained following the removal of C. sinensis. For these trees, subarboreal C. sinensis seed distributions were not homogeneous, with peak seed densities occurring at different distances from tree trunks in each of the two years that seed distributions were assessed. Mulching with compacted sugar cane trash, corresponding to litter loadings of 6–12 kg m−2, was imposed early in the study, some weeks before the C. sinensis seed rain commenced. These treatments had no measurable effect upon C. sinensis germination, but substantially reduced seedling survival and had variable effects upon the early growth of seedlings. The potential roles of seed limitation vs establishment limitation are discussed in relation to the management of animal-dispersed invasive species. It is argued that an understanding of the likely levels and patterns of invasion is essential for the formulation of management strategies that can effectively reduce the invasion and impacts of these plants.

Abundance and management of Mariana Fruit Bats and feral ungulates on Anatahan, Mariana Islands

A survey of Mariana Fruit Bats Pteropus mariannus and feral ungulates was conducted on Anatahan, Mariana Islands, in July 1995. We estimated that a population of 1 902-2 136 bats persists on the island, based on a combination of direct colony counts, departure counts, and station counts of non-colonial animals. Our data suggest that bat numbers have declined since the last surveys were made in 1983 and 1984. We located seven colonies, which held approximately 85-92% of the total population. Most colonies and foraging animals were associated with native forest or isolated native trees in other habitats. Bats fed on five species of plants, with the fruit of Pandanus tectorius eaten most frequently. Anatahan supports a very large Feral Goat Capra hircus population estimated at roughly 5 000-6 000 animals. Feral Pigs Sus scrofa are less common. Both species cause severe damage to plant communities of the island. We recommend that a legal hunting programme for fruit bats be deferred until 1) population censuses on neighbouring islands are completed and it is determined that bat populations can sustain harvesting, 2) habitat degradation is reversed through the control of feral animals, and 3) illegal hunting is curtailed.

Nutritional consequences of a change in diet from native to agricultural fruits for the Samoan fruit bat

The Samoan fruit bat Pteropus samoensis Peak, an endemic flying fox that inhabits the Samoan archipelago, prefers to forage on native fruit species. This species has recently been subjected to extreme population threats including hunting and severe storms, as well as large‐scale habitat degradation. If habitat destruction continues at its present rate, P. samoensis may be forced to forage more within an agricultural matrix. In this study, we analyzed sixteen species of native fruits and four species of agricultural fruits for five organic components and eight minerals to test whether native fruits provided a higher quality diet or more varied diet than agricultural fruits. Within native fruits, we also focused on four species of figs, because these fruits are often considered an important food item for tropical frugivores. Overall, native fruits provided more variation and had higher average values for several nutrients than agricultural fruits. Native fruits were especially high in biologically important minerals (calcium, iron, and sodium), and provided up to 5 times more calcium, 10.5 times more iron, and 8 times more sodium than agricultural fruits. Figs were found to be an especially rich source of many nutrients, particularly for calcium. Thus. P. samoensis. a sequential specialist, may be better able to adjust its diet to obtain higher levels of minerals when consuming a variety of native fruits than when restricted to the consumption of only agricultural fruits. These findings suggest a need to preserve native habitat and to create parks to sustain the long term health and viability of P. samoensis.

The trade in fruit bats Pteropus spp. on Guam and other Pacific islands

Residents of Guam, Mariana Islands, have imported large numbers of fruit bats Pteropus spp. from other Pacific islands during the past 10 years as a delicacy. The trade in bats began in the 1960s or early 1970s after overhunting had greatly reduced the populations of Guam's native fruit bats. The quantity of bats shipped to the island peaked in 1979 and 1980, with an estimated total of more than 24 000 animals brought in each year. From 1981 to 1984, imports fell to an estimated mean of 14 475 bats per year. During the 1970s, Guam's importers purchased bats mainly from the Caroline Islands (Palau and Yap) and other islands in the Marianas (Saipan, Rota and Tinian). Changes in availability and laws during the 1980s have caused the fruit bat trade to expand geographically, making islands outside Micronesia (Western Samoa, Tonga, American Samoa and Papua New Guinea) important suppliers of bats. Because large-scale commercial exploitation may severely deplete an island's population of fruit bats, perhaps beyond the point of recovery, we recommend that island governments be conservative in the number of bats allowed for harvest until studies on abundance and life history have been completed.

The absorptive surface area of the small intestine of Pteropus poliocephalus (Megachiroptera: Pteropodidae): an important factor in rapid food transit?

Food transit time is remarkably short in the fruit bat Pteropus poliocephalus. This report details observations on the morphology of the intestinal villi and microvilli, and relates them to the unusual digestive physiology of the species. The tall, broad, flattened, triangular villi provide mucosal surface area to serosal area ratios which are larger than those reported for other mammalian species with a variety of diets. The relatively high density (≤79/μm2) of very tall microvilli (≤5.7 μm) produces an enormous increase in absorptive surface area of intestinal epithelial cells. The large absorptive surface area may be important in maximising the absorption of predominantly fluid digesta to compensate for the short exposure to absorptive cells because of the short food transit time.

Guam: Paradise lost for wildlife

Wildlife problems on the island of Guam are discussed. Increased human population resulting in increased demand and commercialization has resulted in overexploitation of the native fruit bats Pteropus spp. and marine resources. Introduced mammals, reptiles and possibly disease are in part responsible for the entire forest avifauna being in danger of extinction. Other problems include numerous animal and plant introductions, intensive coral and shell collecting, and habitat destruction. Recommendations are made for improved monitoring, legal protection, and public awareness.

Bat Problems

How to protect 950 bat species worldwide is the problem of the Chiroptera Specialist Group of the IUCN's Survival Service Commission (SSC), which was set up in 1976. The Group's Chairman, Dr R.E. Stebbings, has highlighted the sort of problems they face by three examples: the endemic fruit bat Pteropus rodricencis on Rodrigues Island in the Indian Ocean; the small insectivorous grey bat Myotis grisescens in the USA, and the common vampire bat Desmodus rotundus of Latin America.

Two Bats in the Seychelles

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.

Notes on the Phylogeny, Distribution and Ecology of Frugimvorous Pigeons in Polynesia

Holyoak, D. T. and J.-C. Thibault. 1978. Notes on the phylogeny, distribution and ecology of frugivorous pigeons in Polynesia. Emu 78: 201–206.Phylogenetic relations in the genera Ptilinopus and Du...

First record of an Australian fruit bat (Megachiroptera: Pteropodidae) reaching New Zealand

A red fruit bat (Pteropus scapulatus Peters, 1862) was picked up freshly dead after hitting power lines in a storm in Hamilton East, North Island, between 1927 and 1929 and kept, stuffed, on a Waikato farm. Unusually large southerly migrations of the red fruit bat into New South Wales and Victoria occurred for a few years after the severe drought in Queensland in 1926–27. This specimen may have been on migration, and blown across the Tasman by a storm. This is the first confirmed record of an Australian bat reaching New Zealand alive in European times.