Proximate analysis of Indian flying fox’s (Pteropus giganteus) natural food, with a note on its roost variations in urban areas of Lahore, Pakistan

Abstract

IntroductionPteropus giganteus is one of the largest fruit bats and forms large communal open day roosts on trees in public parks, village surroundings, towns, home gardens, temples, roadside plantations, agricultural fields, and factory campuses. The species is an important pollinator and seed disperser and hence plays a significant role in maintenance of local plant communities (

Observations on the consumption and dispersal of Phoenix canariensis drupes by the Grey-headed flying-fox (Pteropus poliocephalus)

“…There is evidence, however, that the last mouthful of fruit may well remain in the mouth upon departure, to be processed later, with the dry bolus ejected either en route (Tsoar et al, 2010) or at the roost. Studies of Pteropus species frequently noted the presence of ejecta pellets under roost sites (Javid et al, 2017;Schmelitschek et al, 2009;Vendan & Kaleeswaran, 2011). In droppings (combined ejecta and faeces) on the ground underneath, the Pteropus poliocephalus colony at Matcham near Gosford, Parry-Jones and even noted plant remains (but no seeds), which they attributed to Phoenix canariensis.…”