A conservation assessment of <i>Rousettus madagascariensis</i> (G. Grandidier, 1928, Pteropodidae) roosts in eastern Madagascar

Abstract

We visited four cave roosts of the near threatened, and endemic, fruit bat Rousettus madagascariensis over a five year period and found major threats to the bats from hunting and deforestation. The conservation of this species is particularly challenging because it is legally hunted inside its cave roosts. Although provisional protected area status was obtained for two sites with community support, hunting continued. R. madagascariensis roosts were associated with humid forest and the loss of vegetation around caves rendered them unsuitable for the bats at two abandoned sites. A few individual hunters can have a rapid and destructive impact on R. madagascariensis roosts and future initiatives in this area should involve working with hunters to develop realistic solutions to reduce hunting. These efforts need to be supported by habitat protection measures.

A review of the <i>Pteropus rufus</i> (É. Geoffroy, 1803) colonies within the Tolagnaro region of southeast Madagascar – an assessment of neoteric threats and conservation condition

“…The chronic degree to which the species is both hunted for bush meat, and persecuted in defense of economically valuable fruit trees (Jenkins and Racey 2008) has also prompted predictions of future declines (Mackinnon et al 2003. Unfortunately this pattern of decline is also observable in the other two endemic mega-chiropteran species; the Madagascar straw-coloured fruit bat (Eidolon dupreanum) and the Madagascan rousette (Rousettus madagascariensis), as well as other pteropodid species on western Indian Ocean islands (Nyhagen et al 2005, Jenkins and Tatayah 2009, Andrianaivoarivelo et al 2011.…”

“…These laws now provide bats with some protection in the form of a closed hunting season (2 September-30 April), yet are largely ignored as a result of a widespread lack of recognition and enforcement, rendering them effectively impotent Racey 2008, Rahaingodrahety et al 2008). Hunting has played a significant role in recent Madagascan fruit bat declines, with both the proliferation of firearms and erosion of localised taboo or fady cited as responsible factors (Mackinnon et al 2003, Jones et al 2008, Andrianaivoarivelo et al 2011. Large pteropodid bats are extensively hunted in Madagascar, principally for bushmeat and to protect economically valuable cultivated fruits from predation (Jenkins and Racey 2008).…”

“…Large pteropodid bats are extensively hunted in Madagascar, principally for bushmeat and to protect economically valuable cultivated fruits from predation (Jenkins and Racey 2008). Bats are considered an important source of nutrition, particularly in remote and rural communities, however growing evidence suggests that unsustainable and exploitative practices are becoming more widespread to the evident detriment of multiple species (Andriafidison et al 2008, Andrianaivoarivelo et al 2011.…”

Conventional wisdom on roosting behavior of Australian flying‐foxes—A critical review, and evaluation using new data

“…Despite their importance, many fruit bat species are in severe decline. Half are listed as near threatened to extinct according to the IUCN (88 of the 177 species with sufficient data) (IUCN, 2020 ), with human persecution and habitat loss identified as two of the largest threats imposed on these species (Acharya et al., 2011 ; Andrianaivoarivelo et al., 2011 ; IUCN, 2020 ; Jenkins et al., 2007 ). While measures have been taken in some countries to reverse this trend—including increased legislative protection (Aziz et al., 2016 ; Eby & Lunney, 2002a ; Thiriet, 2010 ) and community awareness campaigns (Anthony et al., 2018 ; Carroll & Feistner, 1996 ; Trewhella et al., 2005 )—conservation and management efforts for the majority of these species remain hindered by an enduring absence of ecological knowledge (Fujita & Tuttle, 1991 ; Mickleburgh et al., 2002 ) and ongoing conflict with humans (Aziz et al., 2016 ; Currey et al., 2018 ).…”

Are sacred caves still safe havens for the endemic bats of Madagascar?

“…As a result, the recognition of sacred caves is important for bat conservation (Schachenmann, 2006). However, numerous endemic cave-dwelling bat species, such as the Vulnerable Eidolon dupreanum , Near Threatened Roussetus madagascariensis and Near Threatened Hipposideros commersoni , are increasingly under threat, probably as a result of hunting pressure and other anthropogenic disturbances (Jenkins et al, 2007; Cardiff et al, 2009; Andrianaivoarivelo et al, 2012).…”