Tooth wear, body mass index and management options for edentulous black flying‐foxes (Pteropus alecto Gould) in the Townsville district, north Queensland, Australia

Abstract

In Townsville, the black flying-fox appears to experience a rapid decline in dental condition over time. Despite this, there is little indication that loss of teeth results in a decline in body condition. We attribute this to the dominance of floral foods in the bats' diet in Townsville and a lesser importance of hard fruit that requires intact dentition for consumption. Edentulousness on its own is not sufficient reason to euthanase black flying-foxes in either Townsville or similar relatively dry localities where blossom dominates the flying-fox diet.

In this issue – March 2015

“…Adult black flying‐foxes rescued by the North Queensland Wildlife Care in Townsville were enrolled in a study to assess if animals with worn or absent teeth are at nutritional disadvantage and therefore unsuitable for rehabilitation and release . The study results showed there was little relationship between dental condition and weight‐related variables (ratio of forearm length to weight, percentage of preferred weight and nutrition status).…”