Predation of pitfall-trapped rodents by the ghost bat, Macroderma gigas
Rebecca L. Diete A C , Kelly M. Dixon A and Paul A. Barden B
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations
A School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, The University of Queensland, Gatton, Qld 4343, Australia.
B Ecological Management Services, Coolum Beach, Qld 4573, Australia.
C Corresponding author. Email: r.diete@uq.edu.au
Australian Mammalogy 38(2) 249-252 https://doi.org/10.1071/AM15022
Submitted: 24 June 2015 Accepted: 16 January 2016 Published: 12 February 2016
Abstract
Pitfall trapping for wildlife research is accompanied by the risk of predation of captured animals. However, predation events are sometimes difficult to observe and not subsequently reported. We describe the first known records of predation of pitfall-trapped animals by ghost bats. We discuss these observations in the context of ghost bat hunting behaviour and the implications for pitfall trapping studies in northern Australia.
Additional keywords: delicate mouse, hopping-mouse, Notomys aquilo, Megadermatidae, Muridae, Pseudomys delicatulus.
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