Greater nectar bat explained

The greater nectar bat or greater dawn bat (Eonycteris major) is a species of megabat within the genus Eonycteris. It is found in Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines. Its range is limited and includes Luzon to Maripipi in the Philippines and scattered parts of Borneo including Tuaran and Ranau in Sabah; Bau, Kuching and Bintulu in Sarawak.[1] [2]

Biology and ecology

All E. major were mist-netted in sites associated with flowering banana plants (Musa species) found on the edge between primary forest and open or secondary habitats. An individual that was netted and banded at 22:05 on 5 July 1996 was recaptured in another net the following night at 18:50 about 30 m away. This may suggest of stable food resources at the edge or lack of feeding sites elsewhere. The area surrounding Tawau Park is covered oil palm plantations or disturbed habitats. This species usually roosts in caves and hollow trees, but there is little other information on the ecology of this species .[2]

Description

At Tawau Hills in Sabah, a pregnant female had a forearm length of and weighed, another female weighed while a lactating female with a forearm length of weighed . The measurements were consistent with those reported previously elsewhere.[2]

Notes and References

  1. Book: S. P. Mickleburgh . A. M. Hutson . P. A. Racey . 1992 . Old world fruit bats: an action plan for their conservation . . Gland, Switzerland.
  2. Book: J. Payne . C. M. Francis . K. Phillipps . 1985 . A field guide to the mammals of Borneo . The Sabah Society . Kota Kinabalu, Sabah . 978-967-99947-1-1.