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The island nation of Madagascar is home to three endemic species of Old World Fruit Bat in the family Pteropodidae:Pteropus rufus, Eidolon dupreanum, andRousettus madagascariensis, all three of which are IUCN Red Listed under some category of threat. To inform conservation efforts to model population viability for these threatened species, as well understand the mechanisms underpinning persistence of several potentially zoonotic pathogens hosted by these bats, we here define the seasonal limits of a staggered annual birth pulse across the three species. Our field studies in central-eastern Madagascar indicate that this annual birth pulse takes place in September/October forP. rufus, November forE. dupreanum, and December forR. madagascariensis. Juvenile development periods vary across the three Malagasy pteropodids, resulting in near-synchronous weaning of pups for all species in late January-February at the height of the fruiting season for Madagascar, a pattern characteristic of most mammalian frugivores on the island. We here document the size range in morphological traits for the three Malagasy fruit bat species; these traits span the range of those known for pteropodids more broadly, withP. rufusandE. dupreanumamong the larger of recorded species andR. madagascariensisamong the smaller. All three species demonstrate subtle sexual dimorphism in observed traits with larger-bodied males vs. females. We explore seasonal variation in adult body condition by comparing observed body mass with body mass predicted by forearm length, demonstrating that pregnant females add weight during staggered gestation periods and males lose weight during the nutritionally-deficit Malagasy winter. Finally, we quantify forearm, tibia, and ear length growth rates in juvenile bats, demonstrating both faster growth and more protracted development times for the largestP. rufusspecies. The longer development period for the already-threatenedP. rufusfurther jeopardizes this species’ conservation status as human hunting of bats for subsistence is particularly detrimental to population viability during reproductive periods. The more extreme seasonal variation in the mass to forearm relationship forP. rufusmay also modulate immune function, an important consideration given these bats’ roles as reservoir hosts for several high profile viral families known to cause severe disease in humans. Our work highlights the importance of longitudinal field studies in collecting critical data for mammalian conservation efforts and human public health alike.

Bats are natural reservoirs for bothAlpha- andBetacoronavirusesand the hypothesized original hosts of five of seven known zoonotic coronaviruses. To date, the vast majority of bat coronavirus research has been concentrated in Asia, though coronaviruses are globally distributed; indeed, SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2-relatedBetacoronavirusesin the subgenusSarbecovirushave been identified circulating inRhinolophidbats in both Africa and Europe, despite the relative dearth of surveillance in these regions. As part of a long-term study examining the dynamics of potentially zoonotic viruses in three species of endemic Madagascar fruit bat (Pteropus rufus, Eidolon dupreanum, Rousettus madagascariensis), we carried out metagenomic Next Generation Sequencing (mNGS) on urine, throat, and fecal samples obtained from wild-caught individuals. We report detection of RNA derived fromBetacoronavirussubgenusNobecovirusin fecal samples from all three species and describe full genome sequences of novelNobecovirusesinP. rufusandR. madagascariensis. Phylogenetic analysis indicates the existence of five distinctNobecovirusclades, one of which is defined by the highly divergent sequence reported here fromP. rufusbats. MadagascarNobecovirusesderived fromP. rufusandR. madagascariensisdemonstrate, respectively, Asian and African phylogeographic origins, mirroring those of their fruit bat hosts. Bootscan recombination analysis indicates significant selection has taken place in the spike, nucleocapsid, and NS7 accessory protein regions of the genome for viruses derived from both bat hosts. Madagascar offers a unique phylogeographic nexus of bats and viruses with both Asian and African phylogeographic origins, providing opportunities for unprecedented mixing of viral groups and, potentially, recombination. As fruit bats are handled and consumed widely across Madagascar for subsistence, understanding the landscape of potentially zoonotic coronavirus circulation is essential for mitigation of future zoonotic threats.

Background Few details are available on the consumption of ectoparasites, specifically bat flies (Diptera: Nycteribiidae and Streblidae), by their chiropteran hosts while grooming. Such details are important to document consumption rates of ectoparasites by their bat host provide details on the dynamics of host-parasite interactions. We present data on ectoparasite consumption rates for an endemic Malagasy fruit bat (Pteropodidae: Rousettus madagascariensis) occupying a cave day roost colony in northern Madagascar. Using quantified behavioral analyses, grooming and associated ingestion rates were measured from infrared videos taken in close proximity to day-roosting bats. The recorded individual bats could be visually identified to age (adult, juvenile) and sex (male, female), allowing analyses of the proportion of time these different classes allocated to consuming ectoparasites via auto-grooming (self) or allo-grooming (intraspecific) per 10 min video recording session. These figures could then be extrapolated to estimates of individual daily consumption rates. Results Based on video recordings, adults spent significantly more time auto-grooming and allo-grooming than juveniles. The latter group was not observed consuming ectoparasites. Grooming rates and the average number of ectoparasites consumed per day did not differ between adult males and females. The mean extrapolated number consumed on a daily basis for individual adults was 37 ectoparasites. When these figures are overlaid on the estimated number of adult Rousettus occurring at the roost site during the dry season, the projected daily consumption rate was 57,905 ectoparasites. Conclusions The details presented here represent the first quantified data on bat consumption rates of their ectoparasites, specifically dipterans. These results provide new insights in host-parasite predation dynamics. More research is needed to explore the mechanism zoonotic diseases isolated from bat flies might be transmitted to their bat hosts, specifically those pathogens that can be communicated via an oral route. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13071-018-2918-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

We studied variation in the Body Condition Index (BCI) of a Malagasy frugivorous bat, Rousettus madagascariensis (Pteropodidae), in relation to the abundance of ectoparasite flies, Eucampsipoda madagascarensis (Nycteribiidae). The study site was a cave in northern Madagascar that was visited three times during the dry season (September 2014, 2015, and 2016) and two times during the wet season (January 2015 and 2016). Two measurements were taken from all captured Rousettus to evaluate their BCI: forearm length and body mass. In total, we sampled ectoparasites from 1,030 R. madagascariensis during the five visits. The BCI of sampled bats showed statistical differences when compared by season and segregated by different age and sex classes, with generally the higher mean values during the wet season and lower values during the dry season. In most cases, the abundance of E. madagascarensis for each of the different bat age and sex classes did not differ between seasons. A weak positive relationship was found ...

On the basis of four visits to the Grotte des Chauves-souris (12°57′S, 49°07′E), Parc National d'Ankarana, northern Madagascar, we examine patterns of sexual dimorphism and seasonal differences in body mass of Rousettus madagascariensis, an endemic Malagasy Pteropodidae. Two visits per season were made over the course of two years, dry season (September 2014 and 2015) and rainy season (January 2015 and 2016). Individuals of this species were trapped when exiting the cave after dusk or entering before dawn. Animals were aged, sexed, and then individually marked before being released. In total, 271 adult males and 289 adult females were captured. Although some overlap was found in measurement ranges, males showed significantly larger mean forearm length and body mass than females, including separate analyses of the four different capture periods and in the combined season dataset. For the September 2015 visit, for which a considerable number of adults of both sexes were captured at dusk and dawn, animals en...

47. Malagasy Rousette Rousettus madagascariensis French: Roussette de Madagascar / German: MadagaskarFlughund / Spanish: Rosetus de Madagascar Other common names: Madagascan Rousette, Madagascar Rousette Taxonomy. Rousettus madagascariensis G. Grandidier, 1929, surroundings of Beforona, Madagascar. Rousettus madagascariensis is closely related to, but clearly distinct from, other African rousettes (R. aegyptiacus and R. obliviosus). Monotypic. Distribution. Madagascar except C highlands and arid SW region. Descriptive notes. Head-body 119- 143 mm, tail 6~13- 5 mm, ear 13- 5-17 mm, hindfoot 16-19 mm, forearm 66-80 mm; weight 31-81- 5 g. Skull is delicately built, premaxillae are not co-ossified and projected forward, braincase is moderately deflect ed, and alveolar line projects backward passing through upper part of or just above condylus occipitalis or just above foramen magnum. Fur is somewhat longer, denser, and more persistent than that of the Egyptian Rousette (R. aegyptiacus). Dorsal hairs and on top of head are light grayish to brownish at their bases and darker brown at tips. Overall color is brown, with reddish brown and grayish hues. Fur is lighter on venter and sparser on neck, shoulders, and throat. Uropatagium is sparsely furred in some zones. Dorsal side oftibia is practically naked. Wings attach between first and second toes. Postorbital width is larger than interorbital width in most specimens, supraoccipital crest is low, and zygomatic arches are slender. Palatal ridges arranged ina 4 + 3 + 1 pattern. Cheekteeth are relatively narrow, with widths of premolars and molars about equal to or slightly longer than one-half their lengths, except for M* and M, in which width is distinctly longer. Diploid number is 2n = 36. Habitat. Eastern humid forests, western, and north-western dry deciduous forests, plantations and other agricultural areas, and villages from sea level up to elevations of c. 1150 m. The Malagasy Rousette is rare or absent in central Madagascar Highlands and arid south-western Madagascar. Food and Feeding. Few seeds were found in feces of Malagasy Rousettes, suggesting that they either feed on fruits with seeds too large to ingest or they use other food sources preferentially, such as nectar, flower parts, and leaves. Ficus sp. (Moraceae) seeds were found in feces in March-April, and individuals were captured near fruiting fig trees. Feeding observation in captivity showed that Madagascan fruit bats feed on fruits that they consume by ingesting fruit juice and pulp and spitting out the fiber. They preferred lipid- and calcium-rich fruits, and fruits of no commercial value over commercially important ones. Nectar appears to be an important dietary element; bats have been observed feeding on kapok flowers (Ceiba, Malvaceae) and on nectar of banana flowers. Breeding. Pregnancy and lactation of Malagasy Rousettes coincide with summer and higher food availability. In Maromizaha Forest (eastern Madagascar), pregnancy was recorded in October and December, and lactating females were caught in December—January. Weaning of young occurs at c.8 weeks old and sexual maturity at c.1 year. Activity patterns. The Malagasy Rousette roosts in caves and rock shelters. Because it occurs in areas far from caves, it might roost at othersites such as tree holes. It is high mobile below forest canopies. Movements, Home range and Social organization. Roosting sites of Malagasy Rousettes can be 8 km from food sources. Foraging routes can include round trips of up to 27 km, according to radio-tracking observations. Colonies range from a few hundred individuals to over a thousand. A genetic study using cytochrome-b and six microsatellite loci surveyed individuals throughout the distribution and found no geographic structure in populations. Status and Conservation. Classified as Near Threatened on The IUCN Red List. Main threat to the Malagasy Rousette is subsistence hunting that is common in roost caves. Disturbance of caves by tourism and mining activities also are probably threats to colonies. Although Malagasy Rousettes are not strictly dependent on intact forests, impact of forest loss has not been evaluated but might impact their foraging behavior. Presently recorded in six protect areas: Ankarana, Analamerana, and Tsingy de Namoroka reserves and Ankarafantsika, Tsingy de Bemaraha, and Isalo national parks. Bibliography. Andriafidison et al. (2008a), Andrianaivoarivelo, Jenkins et al. (2012), Andrianaivoarivelo, Ramilijaona et al. (2011), Cardiff et al. (2009), Goodman, Andriafidison et al. (2005), Goodman, Chan et al. (2010), Goodman, Rajemison et al. (2017), Jenkins & Racey (2008), Richards et al. (2016)., Published as part of Don E. Wilson & Russell A. Mittermeier, 2019, Pteropodidae, pp. 16-162 in Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 9 Bats, Barcelona :Lynx Edicions on page 88, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6448815

International audience; Bats are reservoirs for emerging human pathogens, including Hendra and Nipah henipaviruses and Ebola and Marburg filoviruses. These viruses demonstrate predictable patterns in seasonality and age structure across multiple systems; previous work suggests that they may circulate in Madagascar's endemic fruit bats, which are widely consumed as human food. We aimed to (a) document the extent of henipa- and filovirus exposure among Malagasy fruit bats, (b) explore seasonality in seroprevalence and serostatus in these bat populations and (c) compare mechanistic hypotheses for possible transmission dynamics underlying these data. To this end, we amassed and analysed a unique dataset documenting longitudinal serological henipa- and filovirus dynamics in three Madagascar fruit bat species. We uncovered serological evidence of exposure to Hendra-/Nipah-related henipaviruses in Eidolon dupreanum, Pteropus rufus and Rousettus madagascariensis, to Cedar-related henipaviruses in E. dupreanum and R. madagascariensis and to Ebola-related filoviruses in P. rufus and R. madagascariensis. We demonstrated significant seasonality in population-level seroprevalence and individual serostatus for multiple viruses across these species, linked to the female reproductive calendar. An age-structured subset of the data highlighted evidence of waning maternal antibodies in neonates, increasing seroprevalence in young and decreasing seroprevalence late in life. Comparison of mechanistic epidemiological models fit to these data offered support for transmission hypotheses permitting waning antibodies but retained immunity in adult-age bats. Our findings suggest that bats may seasonally modulate mechanisms of pathogen control, with consequences for population-level transmission. Additionally, we narrow the field of candidate transmission hypotheses by which bats are presumed to host and transmit potentially zoonotic viruses globally.

Pteropodidae and Hipposideridae are 2 of the 9 chiropteran families that occur on Madagascar. Despite major advancements in the systematic study of the island's bat fauna, few karyotypic data exist for endemic species. We utilized G- and C-banding in combination with chromosome painting with Myotismyotis probes to establish a genome-wide homology among Malagasy species belonging to the families Pteropodidae (Pteropus rufus 2n = 38; Rousettus madagascariensis, 2n = 36), Hipposideridae (Hipposideros commersoni s.s., 2n = 52), and a single South African representative of the Rhinolophidae (Rhinolophus clivosus, 2n = 58). Painting probes of M. myotis detected 26, 28, 28, and 29 regions of homology in R. madagascariensis, P. rufus, H. commersoni s.s, and R. clivosus, respectively. Translocations, pericentric inversions, and heterochromatin additions were responsible for karyotypic differences amongst the Malagasy pteropodids. Comparative chromosome painting revealed a novel pericentric inversion on P. rufus chromosome 4. Chromosomal characters suggest a close evolutionary relationship between Rousettus and Pteropus. H. commersoni s.s. shared several chromosomal characters with extralimital congeners but did not exhibit 2 chromosomal synapomorphies proposed for Hipposideridae. This study provides further insight into the ancestral karyotypes of pteropodid and hipposiderid bats and corroborates certain molecular phylogenetic hypotheses.

Background: We present information on Nycteribiidae flies parasitizing the bat families Pteropodidae, Miniopteridae and Vespertilionidae from the Malagasy Region, contributing insight into their diversity and host preference.Results: Our phylogenetic analysis identified nine clusters of nycteribiid bat flies on Madagascar and the neighbouring Comoros Archipelago. Bat flies sampled from frugivorous bats of the family Pteropodidae are monoxenous: Eucampsipoda madagascariensis, E. theodori and Cyclopodia dubia appear wholly restricted to Rousettus madagascariensis, R. obliviosus and Eidolon dupreanum, respectively. Two different host preference patterns occurred in nycteribiids infecting insectivorous bats. Flies parasitizing bats of the genera Miniopterus (Miniopteridae) and Myotis (Vespertilionidae), namely Penicillidia leptothrinax, Penicillidia sp. and Nycteribia stylidiopsis, are polyxenous and showed little host preference, while those parasitizing the genera Pipistrellus and Scotophilus (both Vespertilionidae) and referable to Basilia spp., are monoxenous. Lastly, the inferred Bayesian phylogeny revealed that the genus Basilia, as currently configured, is paraphyletic.Conclusion: This study provides new information on the differentiation of nycteribiid taxa, including undescribed species. Host preference is either strict as exemplified by flies parasitizing fruit bats, or more relaxed as found on some insectivorous bat species, possibly because of roost site sharing. Detailed taxonomic work is needed to address three undescribed nycteribiid taxa found on Pipistrellus and Scotophilus, tentatively allocated to the genus Basilia, but possibly warranting different generic allocation.

Population size and survival are crucial factors to understand population dynamics of a given species, especially those that have long life spans and delayed sexual maturity, such as Pteropodidae bats. We studied the population size and apparent survival of individuals at a day roost site of an endemic cave-dwelling Malagasy fruit bat, Rousettus madagascariensis, in relation with age and sex. 1,801 individuals were captured and tagged over the course of four years in the Grotte des Chauves-souris, Reserve Speciale d'Ankarana, northern Madagascar. The Cormack-Jolly-Seber model and the POPAN model in the program MARK were used to analyze mark-recapture data and to estimate apparent individual survival and population size. The apparent survival of individuals ranged from 0.46 to 0.60, but exhibited significant variability associated with age, sex, and time. Apparent survival is lower in adults compared to sub-adults (Φadult = 0.49; Φsub-adult = 0.63). For adults, the apparent survival of males was higher (Φmale = 0.50; Φfemale = 0.47), and conversely for sub-adults, it was in favor of females (Φmale = 0.55; Φfemale = 0.70). Population size ranged from 1,245 (CI: 268–3,050) to 5,868 (CI: 3,520–10,601) and was significantly higher during the wet season as compared to the dry season. The survival rate in this population is strongly influenced by mortality and secondarily by dispersal. We found that the apparent survival of individuals has a positive impact on population growth but less than birth rate. Thus, the health and sustainability of the population relies heavily on individual survival.

This study examines seasonal behavioral activity in a cave day roost of an endemic Malagasy fruit bat, Rousettus madagascariensis (Chiroptera: Pteropodidae). Activities of both sexes (male and female) classified by age (neonate, sub-adult, and adult) were filmed in the cave using an infrared camcorder during the wet and dry seasons. Analyses of the videos were used to calculate the proportion of time spent conducting predefined behavior types during different 10 min periods. Measurements taken from captured individuals were employed to calculate the body condition index (BCI, ratio of body mass to forearm length) for the different age and sex classes. The results indicate that cave-roosting behavior changed as according to season. During the dry season, roosting individuals spent more time in ‘rest’and ‘consume ectoparasites’ behaviors and limited ‘move’ (flight and crawl) and ‘groom’ activities. Further, the BCI was lower during this period, as compared to the wet season, and this shift is presumably related to food availability or quality. During the wet season, ‘groom’ behavior frequency was higher and individuals formed a more dispersed roosting group configuration. The threshold for the shift to ‘tight’ group configuration and less grooming activity is correlated with climatological variables, specifically when the average temperature outside the cave was ≤ 25.3°C, the mean temperature inside the cave was ≤ 24.0°C, and the average relative humidity was ≤ 68.2%. In contrast, the presence of solitary roosting individuals and ‘loose’ group configuration were more common when the average temperature outside the cave was ≥ 27.1°C and the average temperature and relative humidity inside the cave was ≥ 25.0°C and ≥ 93.4%, respectively. Future studies should examine aspects of thermoregulation in cave-roosting pteropodids living in tropical areas, combined with measures of food availability and quality, and the relationship of these variables to reproduction.

We examined the possible effects of host body size and throat gland development on the abundance of blood-feeding nycteribiid and streblid flies parasitizing a Malagasy fruit bat, Rousettus madagascariensis G. Grandidier, 1928. Data were collected in the Parc National d'Ankarana in northern Madagascar during four visits: September 2014, 2015 (dry season), and January 2015, 2016 (wet season). Two bat fly species were identified, Eucampsipoda madagascarensis Theodor, 1955 (Nycteribiidae) and Megastrebla wenzeli (Jobling, 1952) (Streblidae). A positive correlation was found between host body size and abundance of E. madagascarensis during the four visits, suggesting that larger hosts have more parasites, and for M. wenzeli, this relationship was identified only during the wet season visits. In male hosts, body size and throat gland development are correlated with variation in E. madagascarensis abundance during the two seasons; this relationship was not found for M. wenzeli. We present some explanations for the observed patterns of bat fly abundance associated with throat gland development: increased vascularization and easier access to bloodmeals, chemical properties of gland secretions acting as attractants or perhaps being consumed, and modification of hair around the gland providing protection from bat grooming.

Human-modified habitats are expanding rapidly; many tropical countries have highly fragmented and degraded forests. Preserving biodiversity in these areas involves protecting species-like frugivorous bats-that are important to forest regeneration. Fruit bats provide critical ecosystem services including seed dispersal, but studies of how their diets are affected by habitat change have often been rather localized. This study used stable isotope analyses (δ15N and δ13C measurement) to examine how two fruit bat species in Madagascar, Pteropus rufus (n = 138) and Eidolon dupreanum (n = 52) are impacted by habitat change across a large spatial scale. Limited data for Rousettus madagascariensis are also presented. Our results indicated that the three species had broadly overlapping diets. Differences in diet were nonetheless detectable between P. rufus and E. dupreanum, and these diets shifted when they co-occurred, suggesting resource partitioning across habitats and vertical strata within the canopy to avoid competition. Changes in diet were correlated with a decrease in forest cover, though at a larger spatial scale in P. rufus than in E. dupreanum. These results suggest fruit bat species exhibit differing responses to habitat change, highlight the threats fruit bats face from habitat change, and clarify the spatial scales at which conservation efforts could be implemented.

We studied the diet, habitat use and biology of Rousettus madagascariensis, a relatively small (∼55–77 g) fruit bat endemic to Madagascar, between July 2004 and May 2005. Faecal analysis revealed few seeds in the diet, suggesting that the bats either feed extensively on nectar, flowers and leaves or on fruits with seeds too large to ingest. However, bats were captured near fruiting Ficus sp. inside relatively intact forest and Ficus sp. seeds were found in the faeces during March and April. Defecated Ficus rubra seeds germinated significantly faster than seeds from ripe fruits under controlled conditions, but germination rates were similar. Radio tracking and observations of light-tagged individuals revealed that R. madagascariensis travelled a straight line distance of at least 8 km between the roost and feeding locations, with round trip foraging routes of up to 27 km. Most juveniles were trapped between March and July and we infer that weaning of young started before 8 weeks of age. The features used to distinguish juveniles from adults were no longer evident in December and it appears therefore that R. madagascariensis reaches somatic maturity within a single year. Pregnancy, lactation and weaning in this species coincide with the austral summer when food availability is higher.

Twenty-two nuclear microsatellite loci were isolated from a genomic DNA library derived from Madagascar’s Rousettus madagascariensis. Marker characteristics were determined from a single population (37 individuals) from Fort Dauphin (southeastern Madagascar). Sixteen of the 22 loci were within Hardy–Weinberg expectations. These loci are highly informative with polymorphic information content values ranging between 0.757 and 0.916. These loci will provide valuable information for the study of population genetics and gene flow within this species of bats. Due to the dramatic reduction and alteration of their habitat, data generated utilizing this marker suite will potentially provide additional information for the effective long-term management of this near-threatened bat species.

We used roost searches, mist netting and acoustic sampling to investigate the habitats used by bats in Parc National de Mantadia and the Reserve Speciale d'Analamazaotra, eastern Madagascar. Four species were caught in relatively intact humid forest (Myotis goudoti, Miniopterus manavi, Miniopterus majori and Emballonura atrata) two in agricultural land, Neoromicia matroka and Neoromicia melckorum, and one, Rousettus madagascariensis, in Eucalyptus plantations. Mormopterus jugularis, Chaerephon pumilus and Mops leucostigma were found roosting in buildings ca. three km from the humid forest. Acoustic sampling revealed that Neoromicia spp. and molossids were ubiquitous and were recorded from intact and degraded humid forest, Eucalyptus plantations and agricultural land. Myotis goudoti showed the strongest association with intact humid forest. Taxon richness, determined by acoustic sampling, was highest in humid forest but activity was highest in plantations and agricultural land. Mixed-habitat landscapes that surround protected forests and consist of a mosaic of regenerating forest, agriculture, wetlands, villages and plantations are important for bats and promote chiropteran diversity because they provide roosting and foraging sites for species that rarely use intact forest. The humid forests of eastern Madagascar have lower bat diversity than the island's western deciduous karst forests.

We present details on bat flies of the families Nycteribiidae and Streblidae parasitising an endemic Malagasy fruit bat, Rousettus madagascariensis, including aspects of species diversity, rates of parasitism and sex ratios. Data were collected from 639 bats occupying the same cave day roost site in the Parc National d'Ankarana, extreme northern Madagascar, and visited on three occasions: end of dry season (September 2014 and September 2015) and during the rainy season (January 2015). From a collection of over 3500 bat flies, two species were identified — Eucampsipoda madagascarensis (n = 3227) of the family Nycteribiidae and Megastrebla wenzeli (n = 350) of the family Streblidae. The number of E. madagascarensis per bat host showed seasonal variation with a notable reduction during the rainy season. The sex ratio of E. madagascarensis was significantly biased towards males, and this pattern was more pronounced during the dry season. In comparison, M. wenzeli, which were distinctly less common, showed statistical differences between the three site visits in prevalence, but not for the number of parasites per host. For E. madagascarensis parasitism rates varied with age and sex, with adult male R. madagascariensis having more ectoparasites than females, subadults and neonates, while no difference in parasitism rate was found for M. wenzeli based on host age and sex.

This study of the Mahavavy-Kinkony Wetland Complex (MKWC) assesses the impacts of habitat change on the resident globally threatened fauna. Located in Boeny Region, northwest Madagascar, the Complex encompasses a range of habitats including freshwater lakes, rivers, marshes, mangrove forests, and deciduous forest. Spatial modelling and analysis tools were used to (i) identify the important habitats for selected, threatened fauna, (ii) assess their change from 1950 to 2005, (iii) detect the causes of change, (iv) simulate changes to 2050 and (v) evaluate the impacts of change. The approach for prioritising potential habitats for threatened species used ecological science techniques assisted by the decision support software Marxan. Nineteen species were analysed: nine birds, three primates, three fish, three bats and one reptile. Based on knowledge of local land use, supervised classification of Landsat images from 2005 was used to classify the land use of the Complex. Simulations of land use change to 2050 were carried out based on the Land Change Modeler module in Idrisi Andes with the neural network algorithm. Changes in land use at site level have occurred over time but they are not significant. However, reductions in the extent of reed marshes at Lake Kinkony and forests at Tsiombikibo and Marofandroboka directly threaten the species that depend on these habitats. Long term change monitoring is recommended for the Mahavavy Delta, in order to evaluate the predictions through time. The future change of Andohaomby forest is of great concern and conservation actions are recommended as a high priority. Abnormal physicochemical properties were detected in lake Kinkony due to erosion of the four watersheds to the south, therefore an anti-erosion management plan is required for these watersheds. Among the species of global conservation concern, Sakalava rail ( Amaurornis olivieri ), Crowned sifaka ( Propithecus coronatus ) and dambabe ( Paretroplus dambabe ) are estimated the most affected, but at the site level Decken’s sifaka ( Propithecus deckeni ) , kotsovato ( Paretroplus kieneri ) and Madagascan big-headed turtle ( Erymnochelys madagascariensis ) are also threatened. Local enforcement of national legislation on hunting means that MKWC is among the sites where the flying fox ( Pteropus rufus ) and Madagascan rousette ( Rousettus madagascariensis ) are well protected. Ecological restoration, ecological research and actions to reduce anthropogenic pressures are recommended. RESUME Cette recherche menee dans le Complexe Zones Humides Mahavavy-Kinkony a pour but d’evaluer les impacts ecologiques du changement des habitats naturels sur les especes menacees de sa faune. Des outils tels que le SIG, la teledetection ainsi que Marxan ont ete combines avec les etudes bibliographiques et les travaux de terrains pour (i) identifier les habitats naturels prioritaires pour la faune menacee du site, (ii) evaluer leur changement entre 1950 et 2005, (iii) deceler les causes du changement, (iv) elaborer une prospective des changements en 2050 et (v) evaluer les impacts du changement. Le changement des habitats naturels s’est deroule au cours des temps mais il n’a pas ete assez important au niveau global du site pour transformer radicalement les occupations du sol. Toutefois, le recul des phragmitaies du lac Kinkony et des forets de Tsiombikibo et de Marofandroboka menace les especes qui en dependent. Le suivi du delta de Mahavavy doit etre poursuivi et intensifie pour evaluer les menaces qui pesent sur lui dans le contexte des changements climatiques. La situation de la foret d’Andohaomby est preoccupante et son avenir menace en l’absence d’actions concretes. L’analyse de vulnerabilite a l’erosion du bassin du Kinkony a demontre que les changements physico-chimiques dus a l’erosion dans les quatre bassins au Sud du lac rendent necessaires des amenagements anti-erosifs. Parmi les especes de la faune vertebree, Amaurornis olivieri , Propithecus coronatus et Paretroplus dambabe sont les especes les plus affectees globalement, mais au niveau du site Propithecus deckeni , Paretroplus kieneri et Erymnochelys madagascariensis sont tout aussi vulnerables. Pteropus rufus et Rousettus madagascariensis seraient les especes les mieux protegees.

We visited four cave roosts of the near threatened, and endemic, fruit bat Rousettus madagascariensis over a five year period and found major threats to the bats from hunting and deforestation. The conservation of this species is particularly challenging because it is legally hunted inside its cave roosts. Although provisional protected area status was obtained for two sites with community support, hunting continued. R. madagascariensis roosts were associated with humid forest and the loss of vegetation around caves rendered them unsuitable for the bats at two abandoned sites. A few individual hunters can have a rapid and destructive impact on R. madagascariensis roosts and future initiatives in this area should involve working with hunters to develop realistic solutions to reduce hunting. These efforts need to be supported by habitat protection measures. RESUME L’espece de chauve - souris frugivore Quasi Menacee Rousettus madagascariensis est endemique a Madagascar. Nous avons etudie quatre gites dans des grottes ou cette espece a etabli des dortoirs diurnes en procedant a des visites multiples au cours d’une periode de cinq ans et avons trouve que la chasse et la deforestation constituaient les principales menaces pesant sur R. madagascariensis . La conservation de cette espece est particulierement difficile dans la mesure ou la chasse dans ses dortoirs ou gites est permise. Bien que les deux sites abritant l’espece beneficient du statut de Nouvelle Aire Protegee avec le soutien de la communaute locale, la chasse ne cesse de s’intensifier. Les gites de R. madagascariensis sont associes a la foret humide, de sorte que la disparition de la vegetation arboree autour de deux de ces gites les a rendus impropres a heberger R. madagascariensis qui a fini par les abandonner. La disparition de la vegetation arboree autour du gite pourrait etre a l’origine d’un changement de microclimat a l’interieur de la grotte qui constitue le gite diurne. Les activites de certains chasseurs peuvent aussi avoir un impact destructif rapide sur les gites de R. madagascariensis et des initiatives a mener conjointement avec les chasseurs sont necessaires pour elaborer des mesures realistes afin de reduire la chasse. De tels efforts doivent etre etendus et appuyes par des mesures de protection de l’habitat car plusieurs autres gites pourraient exister dans les forets du versant est de Madagascar et subir les memes pressions anthropiques. Des recherches recentes ont egalement montre que l’histoire naturelle de R. madagascariensis est etroitement liee a la foret naturelle, de sorte que la perte de la biodiversite de la foret naturelle malgache menace les plantes dont se nourrit cette espece ainsi que l’equilibre de l’ensemble de l’ecosysteme dont elle depend.

International audience; Flight cage choice experiments carried out over 4 mo demonstrated that a Malagasy fruit bat, Rousettus madagascariensis G. Grandidier, 1928, prefers native or introduced fruit of no commercial value (Ficus polita, Syzygium jambos and S. malaccense) to commercially important fruits (Litchi chinensis and Diospyros kaki). We presented 10 fruit species to the bats: one native (F. polita) and the remainder introduced, 3 of which are commercially important. Most bats responded to fruit presented in a flight cage. Bats swallowed fruit juice and pulp and spat out the fibre of all fruit species provided except L. chinensis and Eugenia jambolana, the flesh of which was swallowed. Chemical composition was the most important determinant of selection by bats. Feeding preference was evidenced by large amounts of chewed pulp, repeated visits to the samefruits and more intensive feeding on lipid- and calcium-rich fruit species. Although commercially important fruit such as L. chinensis and D. kaki tended to have higher fructose content than other species, our results indicate that lipid and calcium content were more important in fruit selection. We suggest that maintaining natural food availability in humid forests and providing alternative sources of fruit (e.g. Syzygium spp.) may contribute to limiting the damage caused by R. madagascariensis to commercially important crops.

Bats are eaten by people throughout Madagascar and although the larger species like Pteropus rufus, Eidolon dupreanum, Rousettus madagascariensis and Hipposideros commersoni are preferred, small insectivorous bats are also eaten. The national hunting season for bats is widely ignored and both unsuitable hunting practices and high offtake represent a serious threat to bat populations in some areas. Bat bushmeat may be an important source of protein for Malagasy people during periods of food shortage but in general there are few data on the socioeconomic and cultural importance of bats. Fruit bats produce a single offspring per year and are therefore susceptible to over - hunting. Nevertheless, large roosts offer the possibility of community managed harvests to secure the colony and provide a source of meat but further research is needed before this can be considered. Roost sites also present the best focus for conservation and greater effort is needed to control hunting using existing legislation and flexible community - based solutions that are sensitive to the local context. The threat of pathogen transfer from bats to people is of growing concern as more bat species are identified as vectors of emergent viral diseases.

International audience; Specimens were obtained from the 3 Malagasy fruit bats, Pteropus rufus, Eidolon dupreanum, and Rousettus madagascariensis. Antibodies against Nipah, Hendra, and Tioman viruses were detected by immunoassay in 23 and by serum neutralization tests in 3 of 427 serum samples, which suggests that related viruses have circulated in Madagascar.

Goodman, Steven M., Griffiths, Owen (2006): A case of exceptionally high predation levels of Rousettus madagascariensis by Tyto alba (Aves: Tytonidae) in western Madagascar. Acta Chiropterologica 88 (2): 553-556, DOI: http://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.3768733, {"references":["ANDREWS, P. 1990. Owls, caves and fossils. British Museum (Natural History), London, 231 pp.","GOODMAN, S. M., and O. LANGRAND. 1993. Food habits of the barn owl Tyto alba and the Madagascar long-eared owl Asio madagascariensis on Madagascar: adaptation to a changing environment. Pp. 147-154, in Proceedings of the 8th Pan- African Ornithological Congress (R. T. WILSON, ed.). Annales du Musee Royal de l'Afrique Centrale (Zoologie), 268 pp.","GOODMAN, S. M., and R. THORSTROM. 1998. The diet of the Madagascar red owl (Tyto soumagnei) on the Masoala Peninsula, Madagascar. Wilson Bulletin, 110: 417-421.","GOODMAN, S. M., O. LANGRAND, and C. J. RAXWORTHY. 1993a. Food habits of the Madagascar long-eared owl (Asio madagascariensis) in two habitats in southern Madagascar. Ostrich, 64: 79-85.","GOODMAN, S. M., O. LANGRAND, and C. J. RAXWORTHY. 1993b. The food habits of the barn owl (Tyto alba) at three sites on Madagascar. Ostrich, 64: 160-171.","GOODMAN, S. M., J. U. GANZHORN, and D. RAKOTON- DRAVONY. 2003. Introduction to the mammals. Pp. 1159-1186, in The natural history of Madagascar (S. M. GOODMAN and J. P. BENSTEAD, eds.). University of Chicago Press, Chicago, 1709 pp.","HAYSSEN, V., A. VAN TIENHOVEN, and A. VAN TIEN- HOVEN. 1993. Asdell's patterns of mammalian reproduction. Cornell University Press, Ithaca, 1023 pp.","MIDDLETON, G. 2004. Anjajavy-Narinda north karst, north-western Madagascar -- 2003. Journal of the Sydney Speleological Society, 48: 357-369.","RASOLOARISON, R., S. M. GOODMAN, and J. U. GANZ- HORN. 2000. Taxonomic revision of mouse lemurs (Microcebus) in the western portions of Madagascar. International Journal of Primatology, 21: 963-1019.","RAVOKATRA, M., L. WILME, and S. M. GOODMAN. 2003. Bird weights. Pp. 1059-1063, in The natural history of Madagascar (S. M. GOODMAN and J. P. BENSTEAD, eds.). University of Chicago Press, Chicago, 1709 pp."]}

Disturbance by tourists of bats in their day roosts represents a potential threat to the conservation of these mammals. We assessed the effect of experimental tourist visits on behavior of the Malagasy endemic Rousettus madagascariensis (Chiroptera: Pteropodidae) in the Ankarana National Park, northern Madagascar. We measured bat behavior, including time activity budgets, under two levels of experimental human visit proximity (far and near) and illumination (low and high). These visits caused an increase in bat flights and an increase in alertness in a frequently-visited colony with faint ambient daylight. The greatest response occurred for human approaches to 5–6 m that directly illuminated the bats and the least response occurred for approaches to 12–14 m that did not directly illuminate the bats. In an infrequently-visited colony with no ambient daylight, visits that remained 12–14 m away and did not illuminate the bats directly caused an increase in alert behavior and a decrease in bat grooming behavior. The difference in response between the colonies suggests that R. madagascariensis may demonstrate an attenuated response to some frequent human visits. Alternatively, colonies roosting with some ambient light may be less sensitive to disturbance from visits, and colonies with previous experience primarily with hunting visits may be more responsive to disturbance. Maintaining a minimum visit distance of 12 m and not illuminating the bats directly, as well as not opening other roost sites to tourism, is likely to help to limit disturbance of R. madagascariensis by tourists at Ankarana.

Rousettus madagascariensis G. Grandidier, 1928. Bull. Acad. Malgache, 11:91. TYPE LOCALITY: Madagascar, Beforona (between Tananarive and Andevoranto). DISTRIBUTION: Madagascar. COMMENTS: Subgenus Rousettus. Considered a subspecies of lanosus by Hayman and Hill (1971:12); but see Bergmans (1977)., Published as part of Karl F. Koopman, 1993, Order Chiroptera, pp. 137-241 in Mammal Species of the World (2 nd Edition), Washington and London :Smithsonian Institution Press on page 153, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.7353060, {"references":["Hayman, R. W., and J. E. Hill. 1971. Order Chiroptera. Part 2. Pp. 1 - 73, in The mammals of Africa: An identification manual (J. Meester and H. W. Setzer, eds.) [issued 15 Jul 1971]. Smithsonian Institution Press, Washington, D. C., not continuously paginated.","Bergmans, W. 1977. Notes on new material of Rousettus madagascariensis Grandidier, 1829 (Mammalia, Megachiroptera). Mammalia, 41: 67 - 74."]}