Status and Natural History of Emballonura Semicaudata Rotensis on Aguiguan, Mariana Islands

Acta Chiropterologica
By: , and 

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Abstract

Pacific sheath-tailed bats (Emballonura semicaudata rotensis) in the Mariana Islands declined greatly in abundance and distribution during the 20th century. The small island of Aguiguan now supports the only persisting population. We studied abundance and natural history of this population from 1995–2008. There was a likely population increase during the study, with 359–466 (minimum and maximum) bats counted at caves in 2008. Bats roosted only in caves, primarily those of relatively larger size. Bats were detected in only seven of 95 caves; three caves were always occupied when surveyed. One cave consistently had the largest colony ( ± SD = 333 ± 33.6 in 2008). Others held 1–64 bats. Cave environments showed no complexities in temperature or humidity. Preliminary observations indicate a litter size of one and the possibility of birthing timed to coincide with the transitional period leading into the rainy season (June–July). We review potential threats to E. s. rotensis on Aguiguan and make suggestions for conservation.

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Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Status and Natural History of Emballonura Semicaudata Rotensis on Aguiguan, Mariana Islands
Series title Acta Chiropterologica
DOI 10.3161/150811011X624785
Volume 13
Issue 2
Year Published 2011
Language English
Publisher Muzeum i Instytut Zoologii PAN
Publisher location Warszawa
Description 11 p.
Larger Work Type Article
Larger Work Subtype Journal Article
Larger Work Title Acta Chiropterologica
First page 299
Last page 309
Country Mariana Islands
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