Fruit Bats (Chiroptera: Pteropodidae) as Seed Dispersers and Pollinators in a Lowland Malaysian Rain Forest¹

Abstract

The aims of this study were to (1) characterize the food resources exploited by fruit bats (Pteropodidae) within an old‐growth Malaysian dipterocarp forest, (2) test the viability of the seeds they disperse, and (3) provide an estimate of the proportion of trees that are to some degree dependent upon bats for seed dispersal and/or pollination. Fruit species exploited by bats could be distinguished from those eaten by birds largely on the basis of color (as perceived by human beings). Bat‐dispersed fruits were typically inconspicuous shades of green–yellow or dull red–brown, whereas fruits eaten by birds were generally bright orange to red. Dietary overlap between bats and nonflying mammals was relatively high. In contrast to primates and squirrels, which were major seed predators for several of the plant species under investigation, fruit bats had no negative impact on seed viability. A botanical survey in 1 ha of old‐growth forest revealed that 13.7 percent of trees (≫15 cm girth at breast height) were at least partially dependent upon fruit bats for pollination and/or seed dispersal.

Quantifying the bat bushmeat trade in North Sulawesi, Indonesia, with suggestions for conservation action

“…The bushmeat trade favors flying foxes (genus Pteropus and Acerodon) because of their large body size and tendency to aggregate in large colonies, increasing ease of capture (Mickleburgh et al, 2009). Lengthy reproductive cycles and low reproductive rates make it difficult for flying fox populations to withstand the intensity of the bushmeat trade, eventually leading to local extirpation (Hodgkison et al, 2003). Declines in abundance and diversity of bats, particularly flying foxes, have serious implications for the persistence of many plants that rely on them as seed dispersers and pollinators (Clayton and Milner-Gulland, 2000).…”

Trypanosome species in neo-tropical bats: Biological, evolutionary and epidemiological implications

“…Most bats are considered insectivores, the rest are frugivores, fish-eaters and blood eaters (vampire bats). They play a relevant role in flower pollination and fruit seed dispersal (Hodgkison et al, 2003). Bats are important components of neo-tropical communities as they occupy a large variety of trophic niches and are often the most species-rich and abundant mammals in the area (Dietz and Kalko, 2006;Giannini and Kalko, 2004).…”

How Do Fruit Bat Seed Shadows Benefit Agroforestry? Insights from Local Perceptions in Kerala, India

“…In contrast to the perception of fruit bats as agricultural pests, ecological studies have documented positive effects of fruit bat seed dispersal on seed germination success and seed viability of fruit crops (Fujita & Tuttle 1991, Galindo-Gonz alez et al 2000, Lopez & Vaughan 2004, Muscarella & Fleming 2007, Djossa et al 2008, Marques & Fischer 2009). Fruit bats prefer fibrous fruits with hard rinds and essential oils, which are usually avoided by birds (Tan et al 1998, Galindo-Gonz alez et al 2000, Hodgkison et al 2003, Bianconi et al 2007. Through their foraging behaviour and movement patterns, bats generate seed dispersal kernels or seed shadows (Fleming & Heithaus 1981, Shilton et al 1999, Muscarella & Fleming 2007, Stoner et al 2007, which are influenced by seed type and size, bat gut retention time, bat body size etc.…”