Faecal synthesis of vitamin 8 12 in Australian Pteropus species (Chiroptera: Pteropodidae).

Abstract

In Australian Pteropus spp. coprophagy has not been observed but is likely because of its suspected key role in the life cycle of Toxocara pteropodis. To determine the potential nutritional benefits of faecal ingest ion, vitamin B12 was assayed in the faeces of captive Pteropus spp. at 0, 10 and 20 days after passage, as well as in samples collected under roost si tes and from the recta of animals collected in the field. Faecal specimens kept under warm, humid conditions for 10 days had significant levels of B12 but negligible quantities were recovered from similar samples kept under colder, dry conditions. It is concluded that intentional or accidental coprophagy in summer could contribute substanti ally to the maintenance vitamin B12 requirements of Australian Pteropus spp.