A population in perpetual motion: Highly dynamic roosting behavior of a tropical island endemic bat.

ABSTRACT: Although island endemic bats are a source of considerable conservation concerns, their biology remains poorly known. Here, we studied the phenology and roosting behavior of a tropical island endemic species: the Reunion free-tailed bat (Mormopterus francoismoutoui). This widespread and abundant species occupies various natural and anthropogenic environments such as caves and buildings. We set up fine-scale monitoring of 19 roosts over 27 months in Reunion Island and analyzed roost size and composition, sexual and age-associated segregation of individuals, as well as the reproductive phenology and body condition of individuals. Based on extensive data collected from 6721 individuals, we revealed a highly dynamic roosting behavior, with marked seasonal sex-ratio variation, linked to d

SUBMITTER: Aguillon S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9919472 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature