Natural history of the New Georgia Monkey-faced Bat Pteralopex sp. nov. from the Solomon Islands

Abstract

The megachiropteran bat genus Pteralopex, Monkey-faced bats, is restricted to the Solomon Islands and Fiji. No other field study has been conducted on any of the five known species. From February to May 1992, the New Georgia Monkey-faced Bat was studied to determine its distribution, assess its conservation status and to provide ecological data for management. We found New Georgia Monkey-faced Bats Pteralopex sp. nov. at four sites on the islands of Vangunu and New Georgia, but not on Kolombangara. Bats were most common around an old village site abandoned approximately 90 years ago, in undisturbed rainforest, and adjacent gardens. Pteralopex sp. nov. was absent from areas of regrowth after logging or cyclone damage. It roosts in the hollows of tall canopy or emergent trees (particularly Ficus spp.), either singly or in small groups. Like other megachiropterans, Pteralopex sp. nov. eats a wide range of fruit and flowers. Young were born throughout the study, from February to May. This species' restricted range and susceptibility to hunting make it vulnerable, especially in the short term if its habitat is affected by logging or cyclones. Old village sites may be important for Pteralopex and other wildlife in the Solomon Islands.