Hipposideros Commersoni Research Articles

Karyotypic Evolution in Malagasy Flying Foxes (Pteropodidae, Chiroptera) and Their Hipposiderid Relatives as Determined by Comparative Chromosome Painting

Pteropodidae and Hipposideridae are 2 of the 9 chiropteran families that occur on Madagascar. Despite major advancements in the systematic study of the island's bat fauna, few karyotypic data exist for endemic species. We utilized G- and C-banding in combination with chromosome painting with Myotismyotis probes to establish a genome-wide homology among Malagasy species belonging to the families Pteropodidae (Pteropus rufus 2n = 38; Rousettus madagascariensis, 2n = 36), Hipposideridae (Hipposideros commersoni s.s., 2n = 52), and a single South African representative of the Rhinolophidae (Rhinolophus clivosus, 2n = 58). Painting probes of M. myotis detected 26, 28, 28, and 29 regions of homology in R. madagascariensis, P. rufus, H. commersoni s.s, and R. clivosus, respectively. Translocations, pericentric inversions, and heterochromatin additions were responsible for karyotypic differences amongst the Malagasy pteropodids. Comparative chromosome painting revealed a novel pericentric inversion on P. rufus chromosome 4. Chromosomal characters suggest a close evolutionary relationship between Rousettus and Pteropus. H. commersoni s.s. shared several chromosomal characters with extralimital congeners but did not exhibit 2 chromosomal synapomorphies proposed for Hipposideridae. This study provides further insight into the ancestral karyotypes of pteropodid and hipposiderid bats and corroborates certain molecular phylogenetic hypotheses.

How many species ofHipposideroshave occurred on Madagascar since the Late Pleistocene?

Populations of the Malagasy Hipposideros commersoni (family Hipposideridae) are threatened by deforestation and hunting. Maximum likelihood and Bayesian analysis of 148 cytochrome b sequences found this species to be paraphyletic and composed of three well-supported monophyletic clades. Clades B and C form a monophyletic lineage that can be referred to H. commersoni; these two clades are separated by 6% sequence variation. Clade A represents a distinct evolutionary lineage separate (9–11% average sequence divergence) from H. commersoni (clades B and C) and is named herein as a new species, Hipposideros cryptovalorona sp. nov. In the phylogeny presented herein, this species is strongly associated with the outgroup taxa Hipposideros gigas and Hipposideros vittatus, both restricted to Africa. External, cranial and dental measurements taken from the same individuals used in the molecular study indicate no clear distinction in morphology amongst these three clades; this includes noseleaf structure and craniodental characteristics. Principal component analyses showed limited separation of the three clades. Comparison to a Quaternary fossil species from north-west Madagascar, Hipposideros besaoka, found little morphological overlap between any of the three clades and this extinct species. Hence, at least three species of Hipposideros have occurred on Madagascar since the Late Pleistocene, two extant (H. commersoni s.s. and H. cryptovalorona sp. nov.) and one extinct (H. besaoka). © 2015 The Linnean Society of London

Cryptic diversity in Hipposideros commersoni sensu stricto (Chiroptera: Hipposideridae) in the western portion of Madagascar

BackgroundThe Commerson’s leaf-nosed bat, Hipposideros commersoni sensu stricto, is endemic to Madagascar and is relatively common in the western portion of the island, where it is found in areas, including forested zones, from sea level to 1325 m. A previous study on morphological patterns of geographic variation within the species highlighted the presence of two distinct morphotypes; larger individuals in the north portion of the island and smaller individuals in the south. The main aim of this study was to use a combination of craniodental morphology and molecular data (mitochondrial and nuclear) to test previous hypotheses based on morphology and clarify the evolutionary history of the species group.MethodsWe sequenced mitochondrial and nuclear genes from Hipposideros commersoni obtained from the western portion of Madagascar, and compared them with other African species as outgroups. We analyzed the sequence data using Maximum Likelihood and Bayesian phylogenetic inference. Divergence dates were estimated using Bayesian molecular clock approach. Variation in craniodental variables was also assessed from sequenced individuals.ResultsThe molecular analyses suggest that H. commersoni is not monophyletic, with strong support for the presence of several independently evolving lineages. Two individuals amongst those sequenced from Isalo (south central) and Itampolo (southwest) form a separate clade (Clade A), distinct from other H. commersoni, and sister to continental African H. vittatus and H. gigas. Within the H. commersoni clade, the molecular data support two geographically distributed clades; one from the south (Clade B) and the other from the north (Clade C), which diverged approximately 3.38 million years ago. Morphometric data were consistent with the molecular analyses, suggesting a north–south break within H. commersoni. However, at some localities, animals from both clades occurred in sympatry and these individuals could not be differentiated based on external and craniodental measurements.ConclusionsUsing a combination of molecular and morphological characters, this study presents evidence of cryptic diversity in H. commersoni on Madagascar. Further fine-scale phylogeographic studies are needed to fully resolve the systematics of H. commersoni. This study highlights the utility of the combined approach in employing both morphological and molecular data to provide insights into the evolutionary history of Malagasy population currently assigned to H. commersoni.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12862-015-0510-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Examination of bats in western Oklahoma for antibodies againstPseudogymnoascus destructans, the causative agent of White-Nose Syndrome

This is the first investigation to determine if bats from western Oklahoma have antibodies against Pseudogymnoascus destructans (Pd), the causative agent of White-nose syndrome in bats. The bats examined came from caves near the western most locality in the United States where a bat suspected of having Pd had been reported. A total of fifty-one serum samples were obtained from cave myotis (Myotis velifer), big brown (Eptesicus fuscus) and Townsends big-eared (Corynorhinus townsendii) bats from western Oklahoma between January and February of 2011 and 2012. Nobuto strips containing blood samples from South African bats (Rhinolophus denti, Neoromicia capensis, Hipposideros commersoni, Nycteris thebaica) were used as negative controls. None of the African bats examined appeared to have antibodies against Pd. Thirteen M. velifer (41% of the Oklahoman bats) tested appeared to have antibodies against some strains of Pseudogymnoascus but it is unclear if they have antibodies specifically against Pd.

Evidence of Echolocation Call Divergence inHipposideros commersoniSensu Stricto (E. Geoffroy, 1803) from Madagascar and Correlation with Body Size

Previous studies conducted on morphological variation of the endemic Malagasy bat Hipposideros commersoni sensu stricto (Hipposideridae) revealed a north-south morphological cline, with larger individuals present in the north. Little is known about potential sexual differences in the echolocation calls of this species. We captured 59 adult individuals (24 males and 35 females) at different sites spanning the western half of Madagascar, measured their forearm length and recorded echolocation calls. These data were used to examine possible variation in echolocation calls and body size, which showed statistically significant differences. Male H. commersoni have an average forearm length of 93.1 mm and emit calls at 68.6 kHz, while the average measurements for females are 83.9 mm and about 72.9 kHz, respectively. Principal component analysis revealed variation in morphological and bioacoustic parameters, suggesting a high intraspecific variation. Regression analysis of intersexual data showed that females fro...

Notes on bat diversity at Berenty Private Reserve and Beza Mahafaly Special Reserve in southern Madagascar

Surveys of bat diversity are rare for the southern domain of Madagascar. Mistnetting for bats took place at Berenty Private Reserve in southeastern Madagascar during a six months study in 2009 and at Beza Mahafaly Special Reserve in southwestern Madagascar for one month in 2011. At Berenty, Hipposideros commersoni, Triaenops rufus, Myotis goudoti, and Miniopterus spp. were captured along trails and clearings inside forests. Two bats, T. rufus and Miniopterus sp., were captured near the Beza Mahafaly Special Reserve. These captures increase the known bat diversity reported for both sites, but more surveys at Berenty and Beza Mahafaly are recommended.

Commerson's Leaf-Nosed Bat (Hipposideros commersoni) is the Likely Reservoir of Shimoni Bat Virus

In this study we attempted to identify whether Commerson's leaf-nosed bat (Hipposideros commersoni) is the reservoir of Shimoni bat virus (SHIBV), which was isolated from a bat of this species in 2009. An alternative explanation is that the isolation of SHIBV from H. commersoni was a result of spill-over infection from other species, particularly from the Egyptian fruit bats (Rousettus aegyptiacus), which frequently sympatrically roost with H. commersoni and are known as the reservoir of the phylogenetically related Lagos bat virus (LBV). To evaluate these hypotheses, 769 bats of at least 17 species were sampled from 18 locations across Kenya during 2009?2010. Serum samples were subjected to virus neutralization tests against SHIBV and LBV. A limited amount of cross-neutralization between LBV and SHIBV was detected. However, H. commersoni bats demonstrated greater seroprevalence to SHIBV than to LBV, and greater virus-neutralizing titers to SHIBV than to LBV, with a mean difference of 1.16 log(10) (95% confidence intervals [CI]: 0.94-1.40; p<0.001). The opposite pattern was observed for sera of R. aegyptiacus bats, with a mean titer difference of 1.06 log(10) (95% CI: 0.83-1.30; p<0.001). Moreover, the seroprevalence in H. commersoni to SHIBV in the cave where these bats sympatrically roosted with R. aegyptiacus (and where SHIBV was isolated in 2009) was similar to their seroprevalence to SHIBV in a distant cave where no R. aegyptiacus were present (18.9% and 25.0%, respectively). These findings suggest that H. commersoni is the host species of SHIBV. Additional surveillance is needed to better understand the ecology of this virus and the potential risks of infection to humans and other mammalian species.

Bartonellaspp. in Bats, Kenya

We report the presence and diversity of Bartonella spp. in bats of 13 insectivorous and frugivorous species collected from various locations across Kenya. Bartonella isolates were obtained from 23 Eidolon helvum, 22 Rousettus aegyptiacus, 4 Coleura afra, 7 Triaenops persicus, 1 Hipposideros commersoni, and 49 Miniopterus spp. bats. Sequence analysis of the citrate synthase gene from the obtained isolates showed a wide assortment of Bartonella strains. Phylogenetically, isolates clustered in specific host bat species. All isolates from R. aegyptiacus, C. afra, and T. persicus bats clustered in separate monophyletic groups. In contrast, E. helvum and Miniopterus spp. bats harbored strains that clustered in several groups. Further investigation is needed to determine whether these agents are responsible for human illnesses in the region.

Identification of a Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-Like Virus in a Leaf-Nosed Bat in Nigeria

Bats are reservoirs for emerging zoonotic viruses that can have a profound impact on human and animal health, including lyssaviruses, filoviruses, paramyxoviruses, and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronaviruses (SARS-CoVs). In the course of a project focused on pathogen discovery in contexts where human-bat contact might facilitate more efficient interspecies transmission of viruses, we surveyed gastrointestinal tissue obtained from bats collected in caves in Nigeria that are frequented by humans. Coronavirus consensus PCR and unbiased high-throughput pyrosequencing revealed the presence of coronavirus sequences related to those of SARS-CoV in a Commerson’s leaf-nosed bat (Hipposideros commersoni). Additional genomic sequencing indicated that this virus, unlike subgroup 2b CoVs, which includes SARS-CoV, is unique, comprising three overlapping open reading frames between the M and N genes and two conserved stem-loop II motifs. Phylogenetic analyses in conjunction with these features suggest that this virus represents a new subgroup within group 2 CoVs.

Shimoni bat virus, a new representative of the Lyssavirus genus

During 2009, 616 bats representing at least 22 species were collected from 10 locations throughout Kenya. A new lyssavirus, named Shimoni bat virus (SHIBV), was isolated from the brain of a dead Commerson's leaf-nosed bat ( Hipposideros commersoni), found in a cave in the coastal region of Kenya. Genetic distances and phylogenetic reconstructions, implemented for each gene and for the concatenated alignment of all five structural genes (N, P, M, G and L), demonstrated that SHIBV cannot be identified with any of the existing species, but rather should be considered an independent species within phylogroup II of the Lyssavirus genus, most similar to Lagos bat virus (LBV). Antigenic reaction patterns with anti-nucleocapsid monoclonal antibodies corroborated these distinctions. In addition, new data on the diversity of LBV suggests that this species may be subdivided quantitatively into three separate genotypes. However, the identity values alone are not considered sufficient criteria for demarcation of new species within LBV.

Hunting, disturbance and roost persistence of bats in caves at Ankarana, northern Madagascar

AbstractSurveys and monitoring of 37 caves in and around the Ankarana Special Reserve, northern Madagascar, yielded evidence of hunting of bats and potential disturbance of bats by miners and tourists, and colony counts for several bat species of potential conservation concern. Colony size decreased by 95% and 14% for a colony of Hipposideros commersoni and a colony of Eidolon dupreanum, respectively, when recent evidence of hunting occurred at those colonies and those declines are probably attributable to hunting. Evidence of hunting occurred commonly at the roosts of those species and most commonly at the roosts of Rousettus madagascariensis. Hunting of pteropodids was associated with high vulnerability of roosts to hunters, little forest buffer between the cave and open savannah and the absence of tombs in the cave. Roost sites of the hunted species persisted for at least several years and this regularity may facilitate hunting. This work supports the ranking of E. dupreanum, R. madagascariensis and H. commersoni as species of conservation concern. Managers should consider the impact of tourist visits on bats and of increasing access to caves for tourism. Conservation efforts for the hunted species should also seek to protect vulnerable and unprotected cave roosts.

Bats as bushmeat in Madagascar

Bats are eaten by people throughout Madagascar and although the larger species like Pteropus rufus, Eidolon dupreanum, Rousettus madagascariensis and Hipposideros commersoni are preferred, small insectivorous bats are also eaten. The national hunting season for bats is widely ignored and both unsuitable hunting practices and high offtake represent a serious threat to bat populations in some areas. Bat bushmeat may be an important source of protein for Malagasy people during periods of food shortage but in general there are few data on the socioeconomic and cultural importance of bats. Fruit bats produce a single offspring per year and are therefore susceptible to over - hunting. Nevertheless, large roosts offer the possibility of community managed harvests to secure the colony and provide a source of meat but further research is needed before this can be considered. Roost sites also present the best focus for conservation and greater effort is needed to control hunting using existing legislation and flexible community - based solutions that are sensitive to the local context. The threat of pathogen transfer from bats to people is of growing concern as more bat species are identified as vectors of emergent viral diseases.

Seasonal Food Habits of Five Sympatric Forest Microchiropterans in Western Madagascar

We determined the foods habits of 5 species of microchiropteran bats (Hipposideros commersoni, Triaenops rufus, Triaenops furculus, Myotis goudoti, and Miniopterus manavi) in the austral winter and summer in a dry deciduous forest in western Madagascar using fecal analysis. We also assessed food availability and bat activity in 4 forest microhabitats. Despite overlap in dietary composition, H. commersoni consumed mainly Coleoptera; M. goudoti consumed mainly Hymenoptera, Neuroptera, and Araneae; M. manavi consumed mainly Hemiptera; and T. rufus and T. furculus consumed mainly Lepidoptera. Diptera were the most abundant insects in traps but were rarely encountered in feces. H. commersoni was not netted during the austral winter, but the other 4 species changed their diet according to seasonal availability, with lepidopterans the most important diet items in winter and coleopterans in summer. We consistently trapped a higher abundance of potential bat prey at the forest edge, whereas the forest interior was low in both food availability and bat activity. The 5 microchiropterans studied partitioned the available food mainly through dietary specialization, although spatial and temporal partitioning also may play a role. More research is needed to assess levels of dependency on forest by these bats, and to investigate the seasonal ecology of H. commersoni and interspecific competition between T. rufus and T. furculus.

Patterns of ecomorphological variation in the bats of western Madagascar: Comparisons among and between communities along a latitudinal gradient

The ecomorphology of 10 insectivorous bat species at three study zones in western Madagascar was examined using 567 specimens and based on 6 external, 11 cranial, 12 dental, and 11 wing measurements. The three study sites are located along a cline representing 11.6° of latitude. The southern most site has notable differences in vegetational and climatic regimes than the two more northern sites. Principal component analyses were conducted for each of the four datasets to examine the morphological space occupied by each species at the three sites. Most taxa showed clear intra-site separation and little inter-site variation. The exceptions included extensive morphological overlap in two taxa of Triaenops (cranial, dental, and wing), that have allopatric distributions, and between the sympatric Miniopterus manavi and Myotis goudoti (external, cranial, and dental). In the latter case, there was distinct separation in wing shape between these two taxa, which would allow them to exploit local habitats and prey in different manners. The only species that showed considerable inter-site variation was Hipposideros commersoni, which is sexually dimorphic, with individuals from the south being smaller than those in the north.

Habitat Use, Roost Selection and Conservation of Bats in Tsingy De Bemaraha National Park, Madagascar

Although the land mammals of Madagascar have been the subject of many studies, the island’s bats have yet to feature prominently on the research or conservation agenda. In this study we used mist nets, acoustic sampling and cave surveys to assess habitat use, seasonality and roost selection. Four microchiropteran species (Triaenops rufus, T. furculus, Miniopterus manavi and Myotis goudoti) appeared to be strongly associated with the forest interior based on trapping, but analysis of time-expanded echolocation recordings revealed that T. rufus and M. manavi were frequently recorded in forest edges and clearings. Bat activity was significantly lower inside the forest than at the interface between agricultural land and forest. The caves visited most often by tourists were low in bat abundance and species richness. Anjohikinakina Cave, which was visited infrequently by people, was used by five species and contained between 54% (winter) and 99% (summer) of bats counted in 16 caves and is a site of national importance for bat conservation. Hipposideros commersoni was only netted in our study area during October and may be a migrant to the site or present but inactive during the austral winter. The forest surrounding the caves is therefore important because it provides cover for emerging bats and a potential source of invertebrate prey whilst the forest edge is important to foraging bats.

Hunting of Microchiroptera in south-western Madagascar

In February 2005 clear evidence was found of extensive hunting by local people of microchiropteran bats in south-western Madagascar. Hipposideros commersoni (Family Hipposideridae) accumulates heavy fat deposits during this period, weighing on average about 50 g, and is the targeted species. The capture of other smaller species of microchiropterans appears to be incidental. The exploitation of bats for bushmeat in this region takes place during a period of food shortage, and because the level of collection surpasses the breeding potential of these animals it may over time result in extirpation of local populations.

Reproductive ecology of Commerson's leaf-nosed batsHipposideros commersoni(Chiroptera: Hipposideridae) in South-Central Africa: interactions between seasonality and large body size; and implications for conservation

The annual cycle and reproductive ecology of a large population of Commerson's leaf-nosed bats, Hipposideros commersoni, was studied in central Zimbabwe. The influence of the extremely large body size of this microchiropteran, interrelating with a seasonal, tropical environment, was the central theme of this study. Adaptive responses to seasonal environmental changes differed between reproducing adults of the sexes. Reproductive females dispersed twice during the annual cycle, while in contrast adult males reduced activity during the cool, dry season. A polygynous mating system was characterised by breeding males defending demarcated territories within the daylight roost. Synchronized parturitions within maternity roosts (in late October) created a hot, humid microclimate which facilitated rapid post-natal development of neonates. The large body size of H. commersoni is suggested to have evolved in response to different selective agents, including: availability of large, hard shelled arthropods as prey; e...

New distributional records of Bats for the Republic of South Africa, with special reference to the Kruger National Park

Data on the distributions of seven species of bats in South Africa are discussed. Four species, Hipposideros commersoni, Pipistrellus rueppellii, Tadarida ansorgei and T. fulminans are reported for the first time from South Africa and all but T. @ ansorgei from the Kruger National Park. Rhinolophus simulator and Kerivoula lanosa are recorded for the first time from the Kruger National Park. The subspecies relationship of Eptesicus hottentotus in the eastern part of South Africa is reviewed.

Foraging behaviour of the giant leaf‐nosed bat (Hipposideros commersoni)

SummaryObservations of the giant leaf‐nosed bat (Hipposideros commersoni) were made in southern Kenya, East Africa. This bat was present in the study area only in March and early April, at the beginning of the March to May rains, and during the November and December rains. Only females were recorded. Food was large beetles of the families Cerambycidae, Elateridae, Scarabeidae and Chrysomelidae. The bats foraged chiefly in riverine vegetation, where they typically used vantage points some 6 m above the ground in acacia trees. Detection of prey at long range from a vantage point, the selection of large prey, precise assessment of the distance and trajectory of the prey, and interception of prey by brief and direct flights tend to optimize the energy return/ unit of time during foraging. The echolocation signals in relation to foraging style are considered.RésuméLes observations sur la chauve‐souris Hipposideros commersoni ont été faites au sud du Kenya en Afrique de I'est. Cette chauve‐souris n‘était présente dans la région surveillée qu'en Mars et le debut d'Avril, au commencement de Mars jusqu'aux pluies de Mai, et durant les pluies de Novembre et de Décembre. Seules les femelles furent enregistrées. Leur nourriture consistait de larges coléoptéres membre des familles Cerambycidae, Elateridae, Scarabeidae et Chrysomelidae. I1 a été observe que les chauves‐souris fourrageaient principallement sur la végétation au long des riviéres où elles utilisaient des points d'avantage typiquement à 6 m au dessus du terrain, dans des acacias. II est déduit que la detection à longue protée et d'un point d'avantage des proies, l'évaluation précise de la distance et du trajectoire de la proie, autant que I'interception de celle‐ci par des vols brefs et directes, tendent à hausser au maximum le gain d'énergie par unité de temps pendant le fourrage. Les signaux d'écholocation sont aussi considérés en rapport au style de fourrage.