Species Of Fruit Bats Research Articles

Full Genome Nobecovirus Sequences From Malagasy Fruit Bats Define a Unique Evolutionary History for This Coronavirus Clade.

Bats are natural reservoirs for both Alpha- and Betacoronaviruses and the hypothesized original hosts of five of seven known zoonotic coronaviruses. To date, the vast majority of bat coronavirus research has been concentrated in Asia, though coronaviruses are globally distributed; indeed, SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2-related Betacoronaviruses in the subgenus Sarbecovirus have been identified circulating in Rhinolophid bats in both Africa and Europe, despite the relative dearth of surveillance in these regions. As part of a long-term study examining the dynamics of potentially zoonotic viruses in three species of endemic Madagascar fruit bat (Pteropus rufus, Eidolon dupreanum, Rousettus madagascariensis), we carried out metagenomic Next Generation Sequencing (mNGS) on urine, throat, and fecal samples obtained from wild-caught individuals. We report detection of RNA derived from Betacoronavirus subgenus Nobecovirus in fecal samples from all three species and describe full genome sequences of novel Nobecoviruses in P. rufus and R. madagascariensis. Phylogenetic analysis indicates the existence of five distinct Nobecovirus clades, one of which is defined by the highly divergent ancestral sequence reported here from P. rufus bats. Madagascar Nobecoviruses derived from P. rufus and R. madagascariensis demonstrate, respectively, Asian and African phylogeographic origins, mirroring those of their fruit bat hosts. Bootscan recombination analysis indicates significant selection has taken place in the spike, nucleocapsid, and NS7 accessory protein regions of the genome for viruses derived from both bat hosts. Madagascar offers a unique phylogeographic nexus of bats and viruses with both Asian and African phylogeographic origins, providing opportunities for unprecedented mixing of viral groups and, potentially, recombination. As fruit bats are handled and consumed widely across Madagascar for subsistence, understanding the landscape of potentially zoonotic coronavirus circulation is essential for mitigation of future zoonotic threats.

A novel clade of bat-associated Bartonella detected in the bat fly Leptocyclopodia ferrari (Diptera: Nycteribiidae) parasitizing Cynopterus brachyotis (Chiroptera: Pteropodidae)

Bartonelloses are emerging infectious diseases that are common in humans and animals worldwide. Several Bartonella species associated with companion animals such as Bartonella henselae and Bartonella rochalimae are species with zoonotic implications and have become a global concern. Other Bartonella species associated with wild animals, however, remain underappreciated particularly in the developing regions of the world. To explore further on this neglected bacterial agent, Leptocyclopodia ferrari (Nycteribiidae) bat flies collected from Cynopterus brachyotis (Pteropodidae), an endemic fruit bat species in Southeast Asia, were molecularly examined for the presence of Bartonella. Both 16 S–23 S ribosomal RNA intergenic spacer region and citrate synthase gene sequences exhibited less than 95 % similarity to all previously reported Bartonella spp. Further phylogenetic analysis revealed a novel clade of this Bartonella sp. with high bootstrap support. The vectorial capacity of bat flies in transmitting this novel pathogen merits further investigation.

Seasonal Activity of Fruit Bats in a Monoculture Rubber and Oil Palm Plantation in the Southern Philippines

The increasing expansion of monoculture plantations poses a major threat to Asian tropical biodiversity. Yet, in many countries such as the Philippines, the ability of species to persist within plantations has never been explored. We studied the seasonal activity and response of fruit bats in two types of monocultural plantations (rubber and oil palm) in the Southern Philippines from 2016–17 for 12 months. Our mist-netting and monitoring data showed that both plantations can support cosmopolitan species of fruit bats (Cynopterus brachyotis, Eonycteris spelaea, Macroglossus minimus, Ptenochirus jagori, and Rousettus amplexicaudatus), yet a significant variation in the abundance and guild distribution between plantations was observed. Rubber hosted a higher bat abundance than oil palm, which may be influenced by better habitat structure of the matrix (e.g., presence of orchard and fruit plantations) and practices occurring in the rubber plantation. We find that, among seasonal climatic variables, temperature showed significant negative effects on fruit bat abundance. Our results suggest that although monoculture plantations host low diversity (i.e., richness and endemism) they still support generalists which are still ecologically important species. Furthermore, wildlife-friendly commercial plantation practices could both enhance economic growth and biodiversity conservation in the Philippines. Our data both provide the potential for long-term monitoring in the Philippines and highlight the need for more comprehensive monitoring of other bat functional groups and their ability to transverse plantations to provide a more in-depth understanding of the roles and impacts of plantations and other land-use changes.

Diversity in olfactory receptor repertoires is associated with dietary specialization in a genus of frugivorous bat.

Mammalian olfactory receptor genes (ORs) are a diverse family of genes encoding proteins that directly interact with environmental chemical cues. ORs evolve via gene duplication in a birth-death fashion, neofunctionalizing and pseudogenizing over time. Olfaction is a primary sense used for food detection in plant-visiting bats, but the relationship between dietary specialization and OR repertoire diversity is unclear. Within neotropical Leaf-nosed bats (Phyllostomidae), many lineages are plant specialists, and some have a distinct OR repertoire compared to insectivorous species. Yet, whether specialization on particular plant genera is associated with the evolution of specialized, less diverse OR repertoires has never been tested. Using targeted sequence capture, we sequenced the OR repertoires of three sympatric species of short-tailed fruit bats (Carollia), which vary in their degree of specialization on the fruits of Piper plants. We characterized orthologous vs duplicated receptors among Carollia species, and explored the diversity and redundancy of the receptor gene repertoire. At the species level, the most dedicated Piper specialist, Carollia castanea, had lower OR diversity compared to the two generalists (C. sowelli and C. perspicillata), but we discovered a few unique sets of ORs within C. castanea with high redundancy of similar gene duplicates. These unique receptors potentially enable C. castanea to detect Piper fruit odorants better than its two congeners. Carollia perspicillata, the species with the most generalist diet, had a higher diversity of intact receptors, suggesting the ability to detect a wider range of odorant molecules. Variation among ORs may be a factor in the coexistence of these sympatric species, facilitating the exploitation of different plant resources. Our study sheds light on how gene duplication and changes in OR diversity may play a role in dietary adaptations and underlie ecological interactions between bats and plants.

First record of bats (Mammalia: Chiroptera) from mangrove in Dam Nai area, Ninh Thuan province, central Vietnam

Dam Nai is one of the twelve best known lagoons in south central Vietnam. Habitats in and around the largoon and its surroundings are quite diverse including mangrove, bushes, rice fields and fruit tree farms which are ecologically suitable for many animals including bats. However, bats in this area still receives very little attention from scientists. The author conducted a series of bat surveys since 2017 for the primary understanding of bats inhabiting this area before the establishment of a wind farm. The results show the records of two nationally rare fruit bat species, Cynopterus brachyotis and Macroglossus minimus, from mangrove in this area. Morphological features and detailed records of these two species are given in this paper with recommendations for further researches for conservation.

Potential and regeneration of tree species used as roosting habitat by Sulawesi fruit bats Acerodon celebensis in Jenetaesa, Maros Regency

Sulawesi fruit bat (Acerodon celebensis) is an endemic fruit bat species of Sulawesi Island. Fruit bats have many important roles in the ecosystem where they act as seed dispersing agents, natural pollinating agents of flowering plants, and assist in forest regeneration. The purpose of this research is to determine their potential roosting tree species and their regeneration for A. celebensis in Jenetaesa, Maros Regency. This research was conducted for 3 months (May-July) in 2018 by initially identifying roosting tree species on the roosting site followed by surveying potential roost trees in 11.5 ha with the employment of 230 subplots. The results showed that in the area observed, the Sulawesi fruit bat has utilized 142 individuals of 21 tree species as roosting tree. Of 230 plots, there were a total of 234 individuals of 56 tree species found. However, based on species recorded to be used by the bats, only 56 individuals of 9 tree species and 11 bamboo clumps were found as potential roosting trees. Regeneration of A. celebensis roosting trees in an area of 11.5 ha was classified as low with only 7 species found and 32 individuals in average on each of growing stages.

Diversity of fruit bats (Pteropodidae) and their ectoparasites in Batuputih Nature Tourism Park, Sulawesi, Indonesia

Abstract. Nangoy M, Ransaleleh T, Lengkong H, Koneri R, Latinne A, Kyes RC. 2021. Diversity of fruit bats (Pteropodidae) and their ectoparasites in Batuputih Nature Tourism Park, Sulawesi, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 22: 3075-3082. Bats play an important role in the ecosystem as pollinators, seed dispersers, and predators, therefore, this study aims to identify the diversity of fruit bat species and ectoparasites at Batuputih Nature Tourism Park, Sulawesi, Indonesia. The study was conducted from May to July 2019, and carried out in three different habitats, namely primary and secondary forest, as well as agricultural land. Besides, the bats were caught using a mist net while the ectoparasites were collected and identified using morphological criteria. A total of 253 bats were sampled representing 10 species (all belonging to the family Pteropodidae) namely Cynopterus brachyotis (24.90%), C. luzoniensis (9.88%), Dobsonia exoleta (1.19%), Macroglossus minimus (3.16%), Nictymene cephalotes (4.75%), N. minutus (0.79%), Rousettus amplexicaudatus (17%), R. celebensis (20.95%), Thoopterus nigrescens (17%), and Thoopterus sp. (0.4%). Cynopterus brachyotis was the most abundant species (n = 63). Meanwhile, a total of 479 ectoparasites were collected and identified as belonging to three families, namely Nycteribiidae, Streblidae, and Spinturnicidae. Nycteribiidae (genus Leptocyclopodia) was the most abundant ectoparasite taxa (n= 475) while the highest mean abundance and intensity were observed for the genus Thoopterus and Rousettus. This study provides important baseline data for future reference in monitoring bat population status and conservation efforts in the region. Given the close relationship between the local people and bats (e.g. hunting and consumption), more work is needed to address the potential pathogen risks from zoonotic transmission, both from bats and the respective ectoparasites.

Using GPS tracking for fruit bat conservation

AbstractUnderstanding the ecology of species is key to the development of effective conservation measures. For many fruit bat species, however, even baseline knowledge of ecology and behaviour is lacking. To identify feeding sites of the Critically Endangered Livingstone's flying fox Pteropus livingstonii on the island of Anjouan, Comoros, we piloted the use of GPS loggers. Two bats (one female, one male) were tagged in early 2019, and data collected for 217 and 35 days, respectively. Acceleration data facilitated the classification of location points into behavioural categories. Potential feeding sites were located by cluster analysis of all location points that were attributed to a behavioural category in which feeding could occur. One important feeding site was located in an agricultural area. This is the first time quantitative behavioural data have been collected for Livingstone's flying foxes, providing insight into the ecological needs of this threatened species. These findings have the potential to inform applied conservation management decisions for protecting the resources required for the survival of this species.

Radiographic anatomy of the heart of fruit bats.

As the only mammal that can fly, bats have organ systems with a unique morphophysiology. One of the highlights is the heart and blood circulation system, which must be able to meet the needs of blood and oxygen supply when flying. This study examined the radiography of the normal condition of the heart organ in 3 species of fruit bats, namely Cynopterus titthaecheilus, Cynopterus brachyotis and Rousettus leschenaultii using radiological silhouette analysis and clock analogy. The results showed that the heart positions of the three bat species tend to be tilted to the left with the apex moving away from the midsagittal plane. Analysis of intercostal space (ICS) value and vertebral heart score (VHS), and evaluation of radiographic features showed R. leschenaultii has a relatively larger heart size than the other two species. All three bat species have a higher VHS than mammals in general. Radiographic images obtained, and interpretation results show the position, size and normal heart parts of the three bat species. They will be useful in diagnostic efforts related to heart problems in these three species.

Pilot Fecal DNA Barcoding on Selected Fruit Bats in Davao City, Philippines

The “Species from Feces” DNA barcoding offers new opportunities to study the challenging taxonomy and systematics of Philippine bats using a minimally-invasive strategy that employs a short 200- bp mitochondrial encoded cytochrome c oxidase I (mt COI) sequence. A pilot application of the technique to five species of fruit bats collected from Davao City, Philippines revealed accurate species identification and the extended ability to assess genetic diversity and evolutionary relationships. The 95–100% sequence identity matched with the field identification of bats, including the endemic Ptenochirus jagori, although only 62% of the samples could be sequenced. A decreasing trend in genetic diversity was noted from widespread bat species such as Rousettus amplexicaudatus, Cynopterus brachyotis, and Macroglossus minimus to species with limited geographic distribution (e.g. P. jagori) or possible recent colonization (e.g. Eonycteris spelaea). Genetic diversity, principal coordinate analysis (PCoA), and phylogenetic analysis also showed distinct genetic lineages of C. brachyotis, R. amplexicaudatus, and M. minimus from their conspecifics outside the Philippines, while E. spelaea and the endemic P. jagori exhibited genetic homogeneity. The findings on genetic diversity and relationships were consistent with previous studies using longer COI segment or other biomarkers. In conclusion, the Species from Feces DNA barcoding presents a minimally invasive and pragmatic approach to explore bat assemblages with the additional utility to examine genetic structures and relationships, which may be used to support studies on diversity, evolution, and biogeography, thereby rapidly facilitate conservation initiatives.

Differences in body mass among the frugivorous bats Artibeus lituratus and Carollia perspicillata (Chiroptera: Phyllostomidae) from an urban and a peri-urban area of Cúcuta, Colombia

We report differences in body mass of two species of fruit bats, Artibeus lituratus and Carollia perspicillata, from two fragments of tropical dry forest (TDF) located in urban and peri-urban areas of the city of Cúcuta, Colombia. From January to September 2018 bat sampling was carried out using mist nets to captured and weigh individuals in the field. The analysis was based only on adults who were not in a reproductive state. We found that both males and females of each species had a higher body mass in the peri-urban area than in the urban area. This highlights the importance of testing subsequent hypotheses to explain the body mass variations reported in this note in response to effects related to diet, diseases, and changes in land use, among others.

Assessing roost disturbance of straw-coloured fruit bats (Eidolon helvum) through tri-axial acceleration.

The disturbance of wildlife by humans is a worldwide phenomenon that contributes to the loss of biodiversity. It can impact animals' behaviour and physiology, and this can lead to changes in species distribution and richness. Wildlife disturbance has mostly been assessed through direct observation. However, advances in bio-logging provide a new range of sensors that may allow measuring disturbance of animals with high precision and remotely, and reducing the effects of human observers. We used tri-axial accelerometers to identify daytime flights of roosting straw-coloured fruit bats (Eidolon helvum), which were used as a proxy for roost disturbance. This bat species roosts on trees in large numbers (often reaching hundreds of thousands of animals), making them highly vulnerable to disturbance. We captured and tagged 46 straw-coloured fruit bats with dataloggers, containing a global positioning system (GPS) and an accelerometer, in five roosts in Ghana, Burkina Faso and Zambia. Daytime roost flights were identified from accelerometer signatures and modelled against our activity in the roosts during the days of trapping, as a predictor of roost disturbance, and natural stressors (solar irradiance, precipitation and wind speed). We found that daytime roost flight probability increased during days of trapping and with increasing solar irradiance (which may reflect the search for shade to prevent overheating). Our results validate the use of accelerometers to measure roost disturbance of straw-coloured fruit bats and suggest that these devices may be very useful in conservation monitoring programs for large fruit bat species.

Patterns of foraging activity and fidelity in a southeast Asian flying fox

BackgroundImproved understanding of the foraging ecology of bats in the face of ongoing habitat loss and modification worldwide is essential to their conservation and maintaining the substantial ecosystem services they provide. It is also fundamental to assessing potential transmission risks of zoonotic pathogens in human-wildlife interfaces. We evaluated the influence of environmental and behavioral variables on the foraging patterns of Pteropus lylei (a reservoir of Nipah virus) in a heterogeneous landscape in Cambodia.MethodsWe employed an approach based on animal-movement modeling, which comprised a path-segmentation method (hidden Markov model) to identify individual foraging-behavior sequences in GPS data generated by eight P. lylei. We characterized foraging localities, foraging activity, and probability of returning to a given foraging locality over consecutive nights. Generalized linear mixed models were also applied to assess the influence of several variables including proxies for energetic costs and quality of foraging areas.ResultsBats performed few foraging bouts (area-restricted searches) during a given night, mainly in residential areas, and the duration of these decreased during the night. The probability of a bat revisiting a given foraging area within 48 h varied according to the duration previously spent there, its distance to the roost site, and the corresponding habitat type. We interpret these fine-scale patterns in relation to global habitat quality (including food-resource quality and predictability), habitat-familiarity and experience of each individual.ConclusionsOur study provides evidence that heterogeneous human-made environments may promote complex patterns of foraging-behavior and short-term re-visitation in fruit bat species that occur in such landscapes. This highlights the need for similarly detailed studies to understand the processes that maintain biodiversity in these environments and assess the potential for pathogen transmission in human-wildlife interfaces.

Fruit Bat Assemblage in Different Lowland Forest Types in the Northern Sierra Madre Mountains, Philippines

Prior studies of species assemblages of fruit bats in the Philippines have focused on primary and disturbed habitats as the point of comparison. No studies to date have been conducted on assemblages of fruit bats within primary lowland forest vegetation types. This study aimed to determine the fruit bat assemblage in dipterocarp, mangrove and lowland ultramafic forest and their association with these vegetation types. We hypothesize that difference in the diversity and abundance of fruit-producing plants in these habitat types would influence the abundance and diversity of bats. The study was conducted in the Northern Sierra Madre Natural Park, Philippines from April to October 2017. Eleven species of fruit bats were captured during the study, in order of decreasing abundance: Rousettus amplexicaudatus, Ptenochirus jagori, Cynopterus brachyotis, Macroglossus minimus, Haplonycteris fischeri, Eonycteris robusta, Desmalopex leucopterus, Eonycteris spelaea, Pteropus vampyrus, Acerodon jubatus and Pteropus hypomelanus. Species richness was highest in dipterocarp forest (11 species), and lowest in the mangrove area (seven species), but species diversity was highest in the lowland ultramafic forest. The study suggests that species diversity and abundance of fruit bats in the different lowland vegetation habitats can be linked to their diet and morphology. Frugivores were strongly associated with dipterocarp forest and lowland ultramafic forest where fruit-producing plant diversity is high. Haplonycteris fischeri, C. brachyotis and P. jagori were more abundant in the dipterocarp than in the ultramafic forest. The abundance of nectarivores varied between vegetation types. Macroglossus minimus was more abundant in the mangrove while E. robusta and R. amplexicaudatus were more abundant in the dipterocarp and ultramafic forest. The difference in plant species composition and abundance may explain the variation in frugivore and nectarivore abundance between vegetation types. No pattern could be discerned for the large flying foxes (A. jubatus, P. hypomelanus, and P. vampyrus) because of few captures in each habitat, except for D. leucopterus, which was frequently captured in lowland ultramafic forest. The low captures of flying foxes may be attributed to the difficulty of capturing high-flying bats. Further research on foraging behavior, fruit selection by bats and the role of forest structure in determining the abundance and distribution of fruit bats is needed.

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.

Wide Diversity of Coronaviruses in Frugivorous and Insectivorous Bat Species: A Pilot Study in Guinea, West Africa.

Zoonoses can constitute a threat for public health that can have a global importance, as seen with the current COVID-19 pandemic of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV2). Bats have been recognized as an important reservoir of zoonotic coronaviruses (CoVs). In West Africa, where there is a high diversity of bat species, little is known on the circulation of CoVs in these hosts, especially at the interface with human populations. In this study, in Guinea, we tested a total of 319 bats belonging to 14 genera and six families of insectivorous and frugivorous bats across the country, for the presence of coronaviruses. We found CoVs in 35 (11%) of the tested bats—in three insectivorous bat species and five fruit bat species that were mostly captured close to human habitat. Positivity rates varied from 5.7% to 100%, depending on bat species. A wide diversity of alpha and beta coronaviruses was found across the country, including three sequences belonging to SarbeCoVs and MerbeCoVs subgenera known to harbor highly pathogenic human coronaviruses. Our findings suggest that CoVs are widely spread in West Africa and their circulation should be assessed to evaluate the risk of exposure of potential zoonotic CoVs to humans.

SURGICAL ORCHIECTOMY IN FRUIT BATS-DESCRIPTION OF TWO TECHNIQUES IN THE RUWENZORI LONG-HAIRED FRUIT BAT (ROUSETTUS LANOSUS) AND THE JAMAICAN FRUIT-EATING BAT (ARTIBEUS JAMAICENSIS).

Contraception is needed to prevent overpopulation and inbreeding in highly fecund captive bat colonies. Reports on surgical contraception in bats are limited. The objective of this study was to describe surgical castration techniques in a megachiropteran and a microchiropteran fruit bat species. Open orchiectomy by transfixing ligation of the spermatic cord was performed in 14 Ruwenzori long-haired fruit bats (Rousettus lanosus) (RL-LIG), and orchiectomy with radiosurgery alone was performed in 125 Jamaican fruit-eating bats (Artibeus jamaicensis) (AJ-RS) and one Ruwenzori bat (RL-RS). The surgical techniques were not compared in different species with the exception of the one Ruwenzori bat operated with RS. Anesthesia was induced and maintained with isoflurane in oxygen via facemask. Preoperatively, all bats received butorphanol and subcutaneous fluids. Meloxicam was administered postoperatively for the RL-LIG. For the RL-LIG, anesthesia lasted 49 ± 15 min (mean ± SD) with a total surgery time of 26 ± 12 min. In comparison, the RS was considerably shorter, lasting 10 ± 3 min for anesthesia and 5 ± 2 min for surgery. Complications were rare, with a morbidity rate of 6.7% with the RL-LIG (prolonged recovery [n = 1]) and of 4.8% with the RS (dyspnea [n = 3], hemorrhage [n = 2], and prolonged recovery [n = 1]). One of the cases of hemorrhage was in the single Ruwenzori bat castrated using the RS technique. Mortality rate was 1.6% (n = 2) with the RS. No mortality occurred with the RL-LIG. In conclusion, using radiosurgery alone appears to be a safe and rapid surgical technique in smaller species of fruit bats. For larger species, such as the Ruwenzori fruit bats, ligation or use of an advanced vessel sealing system is recommended.

Embryonic Development of the Egyptian Fruit Bat Rousettus aegyptiacus (Mammalia: Chiroptera: Pteropodidae)

Bats have evolved several unique morphological traits related to powered flight, such as wings, patagia, minute hindlimbs, large pinna, and a larynx specialised for echolocation. Studies of embryonic development in bats provide important insights into the mechanisms underlying the evolution of flight-related structures in vertebrates. Although embryonic development has been described in some bats species, only one species of Old World fruit bats (family Pteropodidae) has previously had its embryonic development examined. In this paper, we describe the embryonic development of the Egyptian fruit bat, Rousettus aegyptiacus, ranging from middle pharyngula to just before birth. We compared the growth patterns during embryogenesis among nine bat species for which data on embryonic development have been obtained. We discovered that i) the crown-rump length (CRL) is almost equivalent among the bat species until stage 22, and ii) compared to other bat species examined, the growth rate rapidly and substantially increases in two pteropodid species (R. aegyptiacus and R. amplexicaudatus) after stage 22. In placental mammals, larger body size at birth is advantageous for postnatal survival. To obtain large adult body size, some pteropodid bats may accelerate their postnatal growth and take advantage of larger body size at birth.

Identification of bats on traditional market in dumoga district, North Sulawesi

Fruit bats are used as food by the Minahasan tribe in North Sulawesi. This is evident in some traditional markets where various species of fruit bats are sold. As a consequence, bats are continually over hunted for human consumption, threatening bat populations. This study aims to identify bat species sold in traditional markets in Dumoga district, North Sulawesi. Field surveys were performed and data collected in three traditional markets namely Ibolian, Imandi, and Dumoga, located nearby the Nani Warta Bone National Park. The collected samples were identified using morphometric measurements and physical characteristics, then analyzed by descriptive method. From these markets were identified and consisted of Acerodon celebensis, Dobsonia exoleta, Neopteryx frosti, Styloctenium wallacei, Rousettus amplexicaudatus, Thoopterus nigrescens, Nyctimene chephalotes, and unknown species. Five of these bat species are endemic to Sulawesi (Acerodon celebensis, Dosonia exoleta, Neopteryx frosti, Styloctenium wallacei, and Thoopterus nigrescens). According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red-List, two species have declined status (Styloctenium wallacei Near Threatered (NT), and Acerodon celebensis Vulnarable (VU)), and one species is threatened with extinction status (Neopteryx frosti endangered (EN)).

Diversity of Fruit Bats (Pteropodidae) in Baganihan, Marilog Forest Reserve, Marilog District, Southern Philippines

Marilog Forest Reserve is one of the priority areas on conservation by the conservation international as it is recognized as an important biodiversity area. It is known to its cold ambience, zero visibility fogs and big resorts built along the main road. Thus, the study was conducted to determine the diversity, ecological and conservation status of fruit bats in the area. The selected areas for this study are Sitio Maharlika (Site 1) and Sitio Puting Bato (Site 2) of Brgy. Baganihan, Marilog District, Davao City. The two selected sites were described in terms of vegetation and habitat type. Site 1 (Sitio Maharlika) composed of a patch of secondary forest approximately 300 meters from the main road which is disturbed due to agricultural activities such as abacca and strawberry plantations. Site 2 (Sitio Puting Bato) is also a secondary forest but with lesser disturbance which is more likely due to its farther distance from the main road. Fruit bat species were assessed using mist-nets following standard protocols with a total of 104 net nights. Fruit bat inventory and assessment revealed 7 species with a total of 249 individuals captured. One species were listed as threatened (Megaerops wetmorei), 2 endemic species in the Philippines (Haplonycteris fischeri and Ptenochirus jagori) and 1 species restricted only in Mindanao (P. minor). Diversity index was higher in site 2 with H’ index of 0.736 compared to site 1 with H’ index of 0.698 which can be correlated to comparable disturbance between 2 sites. Based on the results, the 2 study sites of Brgy. Baganihan is home to various fruit bat species with high species endemicity. Thus, conservation measures are highly recommended to conserve and protect the fruit bats and also the other wildlife in the area. Keywords : Biodiversity, species composition, diversity index, threatened and endemic species.