Gambian epaulette bat
| Gambian epaulette bat | ||||||||||||
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Gambian epaulette bat |
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| Epomophorus gambianus | ||||||||||||
| ( Ogilby , 1835) |
The Gambian epaulette bat ( Epomophorus gambianus ) is a fruit bat of the genus Epomophorus , which is widespread in North and West Africa.
description
The Gambian epaulette bat is a medium-sized flying fox . The head is large and the muzzle broad and elongated, ending in a Y-shape in enlarged nostrils at the tip. The fur is beige-brown, the head, shoulders and back may have a reddish tinge. The abdomen is often lighter than the rest of the animal, and adult animals may have a grayish spot in the abdominal region. The ears are relatively large and dark brown, with a tuft of white hair at the base of the ears. The Gambian epaulette bat shows sexual dimorphism . The males are larger and have the white tufts of hair on the shoulders, which are typical of epaulette bat, where there are also sac-like glands. A tail is usually undetectable and rarely reaches a maximum length of 6 mm. Males weigh 91 to 155 g and have a head-torso length of 155 to 197 mm, while females weigh 56 to 145 g and 131 to 173 mm long.
Way of life
The Gambian epaulette bat is common in savannas and woodlands in West Africa, mainly along forest edges. It feeds on various fruits, including papaya , guava , cashew , mango and neem , and is therefore an important seed disperser . The species also drinks nectar, taking pollen from flowers and contributing to the pollination of various plant species. The animals land to eat instead of hovering in front of the fruit or blossom. During the day the animals hang in trees, usually 10 to 15 m above the ground. The animals can be found both individually and in groups of over 50 individuals. The Gambian epaulette can likely give birth to kittens twice a year, with the timing of birth and suckling depending heavily on the availability of fruit. This ensures that the female will find enough food to feed herself and the young during this time.
distribution and habitat
The Gambian epaulette bat occurs from Senegal to Ethiopia . Thanks to its widespread use, the IUCN classifies its population as safe.
Web links
literature
- Boulay MC, Robbins CB (1989) Epomophorus gambianus , Mammalian Species 344: pp. 1-5