Interisland movements of fruit bats (Pteropus Mariannus) in the Mariana Islands

Abstract

Fruit bats of the genus Pteropus are considered to be strong fliers (Kingdon, 1974; Nowak and Paradiso, 1983), with some species commuting distances of 10-50 km between day roosts and feeding areas (Breadon, 1932; Ferrar, 1934; Hall, 1983; Lim, 1966; McWilliam, 1985-1986; Ratcliffe, 1932; Taylor, 1934; Walton and Trowbridge, 1983). Longer seasonal movements of > 100 km are known for several species of Australian Pteropus, which change roosting sites in response to shifting patterns in the availability of flowers and fruits (Nelson, 1965). However, for most members of the genus, movements remain poorly understood. This is especially true for populations of Pteropus in the Pacific Ocean, many of which are restricted to small islands or small island groups.