ANNUAL VARIATION IN SERUM LIPID PROFILE OF THE INDIAN MALE FLYING FOX Rousettus leschenaulti (DESMEREST)

Abstract

Although bats of the genus Rousettus are important ecologically as pollinators and natural hosts for zoonotic pathogens, little is known about their basic physiology. Therefore lipid profile which includes cholesterol and triglyceride have been analyzed. Cholesterol is a waxy fat used for cellular function and production of hormone and triglyceride , which is the main storage form of fat in the body, serves as building blocks for cells and are used to create energy, is synthesized in the liver from proteins and carbohydrates, and also come from the fats in food.For the present study the blood serum of 36 male Indian fruit bats, Rousettus leschenaulti (Desmerest) was analyzed in a complete calendar year from their natural roost, Mansar / Kandri mines, Nagpur, Maharashtra (20°2"N, 78°95E). The highest values were recorded during May-September and December, depicting less exposure to stress, less utilization of required energy resulting into less dehydration of body fluids. In March the significant decline was recorded in serum triglyceride level and relatively (intermediate) constant-values were recorded during rest of the months January, February, April, May, October and November. A significant decline in the March might be due to breeding stress, and probably enhancement in the sexual behavior, aggressive approach towards female, competition among males and onset of summer. Such studies provide basic physiologic information that can be used in future for health and disease studies of Indian flying fox.