Abstract
Long-distance seed dispersal can be important for the regeneration of forested habitats, especially in regions where deforestation has been severe. Old World fruit bats (Pteropodidae) have considerable potential for long-distance seed dispersal. We studied the movement patterns and feeding behaviour of the endemic Madagascan flying fox Pteropus rufus, in Berenty Reserve, southeast Madagascar. Between July and September 2012 (the dry season) nine males and six females were tagged with customised GPS loggers which recorded fixes every 2.5 min between 18.00 and 06.00 h. The combined home range of all of the tagged bats during 86 nights exceeded 58,000 ha. Females had larger home ranges and core foraging areas and foraged over longer distances (average 28.1 km; median 26.7 km) than males (average 15.4 km; median 9.5 km). Because the study was conducted during the gestation period, the increased energy requirements of females may explain their greater mean foraging area. Compositional analysis revealed that bats show strong preferences for overgrown sisal (Agave sisalana) plantations (a mix of shrub, trees and sisal plants) and remnant riverside forest patches. Sisal nectar and pollen were abundant food sources during the tracking period and this probably contributed to the selective use of overgrown sisal plantations. The bats also ate large quantities of figs (Ficus grevei) during the study, and dispersed seeds of this important pioneer species. The bats flew at an average speed of 9.13 m/s, perhaps to optimise gliding performance. The study confirms that P. rufus has the potential to be a long-distance seed disperser, and is able to fly over a large area, often crossing cleared parts of its habitat. It potentially plays an important role in the regeneration of threatened forest habitats in this biodiversity hotspot.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 678-692 |
| Number of pages | 15 |
| Journal | Global Ecology and Conservation |
| Volume | 3 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 1 Jan 2015 |
Bibliographical note
Funding Information:McWilliam (1985) reported that smaller, less dominant flying foxes travel longer distances than larger, more dominant individuals. This was supported by Banack and Grant (2002) who found P. tonganus juvenile males travel on long, so called ‘exploratory flights’. In our study, two adult male P. rufus had exceptionally larger home ranges and thus longer nightly foraging distances than other males. For example, bat number 2406 travelled long distances on two nights out of four while bat 24 082 on only one night out of seven. These long distance movements may involve exploration for new food resources.
Publisher Copyright:
© 2015 The Authors.
Keywords
- Fruit bat
- Movement ecology
- Pteropodidae