Flying Fox Conservation in an Anthropogenic World

Abstract

Bats of the genus Pteropus, commonly known as flying foxes, are frugivorous and/or nectivorous mammals of the suborder Megachiroptera. Throughout the Paleotropics, Pteropus spp. function as pollen vectors and seed dispersers for more than 300 species of plants (Shilton et al., 1999). However, they become functionally extinct when population abundance is low relative to fruiting and flowering trees. Through millennia of coevolution, chiropterophilous plants formed bat-fruit and bat-flower syndromes adapted specifically to attract bat visitation. While many flying foxes shift roost locations in response to the flowering and fruiting seasons of chiropterophilous plants, some adjust their behaviors to exploit human-modified landscapes. Because Pteropus show high roost fidelity, the establishment of urban camps can be problematic and increase the likelihood of human-wildlife conflict. Determining an appropriate response to urban camps can become a source of conflict when managerial actions are perceived as inadequate. Individuals may take matters into their own hands, often inadvertently exacerbating conflict. Flying fox populations are also impacted by hunting. Pteropus are hunted for a variety of reasons, many of which correspond to the bushmeat trade. Wildlife ordinances and laws intended to regulate hunting or prevent bushmeat sale are ineffective in many areas due to poor enforcement. Human perceptions shape the actions of individuals and decision-making institutions. Thus, to effectively reduce conflict, prevent functional extinction, and facilitate coexistence, both the human and ecological dimensions of conservation must be considered in concert.