dcsimg

Associations

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Predators of this species have not been reported.

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Rubbelke, R. 2004. "Balionycteris maculata" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed April 27, 2013 at http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Balionycteris_maculata.html
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Ryan Rubbelke, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point
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Chris Yahnke, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point
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Morphology

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Balionycteris maculata can grow to be about 50 to 66 mm in length, and can weigh up to 14.5 g. They have no external tail, a short nose, and the length of their forearm ranges from 39 to 43 mm.

These fruit bats have unique dentition, in that they only have one pair of lower incisors.

The color of pelage can range from sooty brown to a grayish tint. Balionycteris maculata has a black head and the wings are marked with yellow spots. A baculum is present in males.

The only other bat with which this species could be confused is Chironax melanocephalus, or black-capped fruit bats. These two species which share similar external characteristics, although the latter is slightly smaller, differs in dental characters, and lacks spots on the wings.

Range mass: 9.5 to 14.5 g.

Range length: 50 to 66 mm.

Range wingspan: 39 to 44 mm.

Other Physical Features: endothermic ; homoiothermic; bilateral symmetry

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Rubbelke, R. 2004. "Balionycteris maculata" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed April 27, 2013 at http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Balionycteris_maculata.html
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Ryan Rubbelke, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point
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Chris Yahnke, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point
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Nancy Shefferly, Animal Diversity Web
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Life Expectancy

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No information on the lifespan/longevity of this species is available. As the only member of the genus Balionycteris, it is not even possible to generalize from closely related species.

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Rubbelke, R. 2004. "Balionycteris maculata" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed April 27, 2013 at http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Balionycteris_maculata.html
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Ryan Rubbelke, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point
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Chris Yahnke, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point
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Nancy Shefferly, Animal Diversity Web
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Habitat

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Spotted-winged fruit bats prefer forests, lowlands, or foothills, and are commonly found in and around Eastern Asia.

Habitat Regions: temperate ; tropical ; terrestrial

Terrestrial Biomes: forest

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Rubbelke, R. 2004. "Balionycteris maculata" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed April 27, 2013 at http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Balionycteris_maculata.html
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Ryan Rubbelke, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point
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Chris Yahnke, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point
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Nancy Shefferly, Animal Diversity Web
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Behavior

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Balionycteris maculata uses a variety of postures in communciation, as well as a number of noises. These bats are reported to be very vocal. It is likely that tactile communication is important in the roost, between mates, rival, and between parents and their offspring. The role of scent cues in communication in this species has not been documented, but is probably at least minimally important.

Communication Channels: visual ; tactile ; acoustic ; chemical

Perception Channels: visual ; tactile ; acoustic ; ultrasound ; echolocation ; chemical

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Rubbelke, R. 2004. "Balionycteris maculata" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed April 27, 2013 at http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Balionycteris_maculata.html
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Ryan Rubbelke, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point
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Chris Yahnke, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point
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Nancy Shefferly, Animal Diversity Web
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Conservation Status

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From what I have gathered there has not been a special status that has been placed on this mammal.

US Federal List: no special status

CITES: no special status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: least concern

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Rubbelke, R. 2004. "Balionycteris maculata" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed April 27, 2013 at http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Balionycteris_maculata.html
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Ryan Rubbelke, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point
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Chris Yahnke, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point
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Nancy Shefferly, Animal Diversity Web
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Benefits

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Occasionally B. maculata has been know to damage fruit crops, reducing the fruit yield for local farmers.

Negative Impacts: crop pest

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Rubbelke, R. 2004. "Balionycteris maculata" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed April 27, 2013 at http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Balionycteris_maculata.html
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Ryan Rubbelke, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point
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Chris Yahnke, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point
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Nancy Shefferly, Animal Diversity Web
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Benefits

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There is no information avaiable suggesting any positive economic impact of these animals on humans.

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Rubbelke, R. 2004. "Balionycteris maculata" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed April 27, 2013 at http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Balionycteris_maculata.html
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Ryan Rubbelke, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point
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Chris Yahnke, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point
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Nancy Shefferly, Animal Diversity Web
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Associations

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These bats are frugivores and may be important in seed dispersal.

Ecosystem Impact: disperses seeds

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Rubbelke, R. 2004. "Balionycteris maculata" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed April 27, 2013 at http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Balionycteris_maculata.html
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Ryan Rubbelke, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point
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Chris Yahnke, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point
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Nancy Shefferly, Animal Diversity Web
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Trophic Strategy

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As the common name suggests, this mammal is frugivorous, primarily feeding on fruit, pollen, and nectar. Balionycteris maculata consumes fruit by utilizing the juices and spitting out the fibers. It has been reported that this animal also feeds on insects.

Animal Foods: insects

Plant Foods: fruit; nectar; flowers

Primary Diet: herbivore (Frugivore )

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Rubbelke, R. 2004. "Balionycteris maculata" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed April 27, 2013 at http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Balionycteris_maculata.html
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Ryan Rubbelke, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point
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Chris Yahnke, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point
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Nancy Shefferly, Animal Diversity Web
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Distribution

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Spotted-winged fruit bats are native to Thailand, Malaysia, and Borneo.

Biogeographic Regions: oriental (Native ); oceanic islands (Native )

Other Geographic Terms: island endemic

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Rubbelke, R. 2004. "Balionycteris maculata" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed April 27, 2013 at http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Balionycteris_maculata.html
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Ryan Rubbelke, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point
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Chris Yahnke, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point
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Nancy Shefferly, Animal Diversity Web
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Reproduction

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No information was found on mating systems.

Data on the reproductive characteristics of this species are lacking. However, it is likely that B. maculata is similar to other temperate/tropical fruit bats.

Most fruit bats reach puberty in the second year after birth. Copulation is accomplished while suspended by the hind legs in the roost. Females can produce 1 to 2 young per year, although typically only give birth to one young at a time. Fruit bats are known to breed throughout the year, with young being born every month of the year. Delayed implantation may occur.

Breeding interval: The breeding interval of this species is not known, but is likely to be once or twice per year.

Breeding season: The breeding season of these animals has not been reported, but is likely to be throughout the year.

Range number of offspring: 1 to 2.

Average number of offspring: 1.

Average age at sexual or reproductive maturity (female): 2 years.

Average age at sexual or reproductive maturity (male): 2 years.

Key Reproductive Features: iteroparous ; year-round breeding ; gonochoric/gonochoristic/dioecious (sexes separate); sexual ; fertilization ; viviparous ; delayed implantation

Parental care in this species has not been documented. However, as mammals, females of this species are known to provide their young with milk and protection. The mother probably also grooms her offspring, and cares for them while they reach maturity. The role of males in parental care has not been established.

Parental Investment: no parental involvement; pre-fertilization (Protecting: Female); pre-hatching/birth (Provisioning: Female, Protecting: Female); pre-weaning/fledging (Provisioning: Female, Protecting: Female); pre-independence (Protecting)

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Rubbelke, R. 2004. "Balionycteris maculata" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed April 27, 2013 at http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Balionycteris_maculata.html
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Ryan Rubbelke, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point
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Chris Yahnke, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point
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Nancy Shefferly, Animal Diversity Web
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Biology

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Roosting in harems with one male and up to nine females and their young, the male must work to make his roost attractive to females, and then defend the area. Females may move between roosts, but males protect any females that are in his territory. The males often build tents in the tree-nests of ants and termites. It is not known how these are made, but from evidence in closely related species, it is likely that they excavate the inner regions of the nests using their teeth and claws, until a bell-shaped cavity remains (5). Females give birth to two litters each year, usually of a single pup in each. These pups are born with their eyes and ears closed and weigh 3.5 grams, after a pregnancy lasting 135 days (5). Their mothers feed them milk for the first 40 to 80 days of their life, and once weaning has begun, the young bats will fly next to their mothers on foraging trips. They live for up to four years (5). This bat eats the fruit of up to 22 plant species, and plays an important role in seed dispersal and plant renewal, particularly in older forests (5). Individuals do not travel far to forage; females spend the entire night foraging without returning to the roost, whereas males make several trips in order to defend and improve their roost (6).
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Conservation

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Deforestation of primary forest for oil palm plantations, including within protected areas, is an issue of major concern and one that relies on both governmental action and consumer concern. Some large retailers have agreed, in collaboration with the WWF, to source products containing palm oil from plantations that are not on deforested land (7). Many scientific and charitable groups contribute to bat monitoring and local education programmes that can help to reduce persecution and raise awareness of the natural assets of the land (8).
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Description

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The smallest fruit bat in the world, this species is both charming and beautiful. Its black, dog-like face has large eyes, with a pale spot beneath each. The nostrils are long and somewhat tubular, and the ears are small. The soft fur is very dark brown on the back, and paler on the underside. Pale spots contrast with the dark wing membranes, and often highlight the joints of the finger bones. This fruit-eating bat has a claw on the second digit of each hand, enabling it to cling to fruit trees (2) and break into tough-skinned fruit with its strong jaws (3). It does not have a tail (2).
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Habitat

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Occurring mainly in forest habitats, the spotted-winged fruit bat roosts primarily in the lower canopy. It is found from the lowlands to montane forest, and prefers to roost in palm trees and ferns that grow on the trunks of large forest trees, as well as in the active nests of tree-dwelling ants, and the unoccupied tree-nests of termites (2).
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Range

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This species is found in southern Thailand, western Peninsular Malaysia, Borneo, Sumatra, and the Durian and Galang Islands (4).
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Status

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Classified as Least Concern (LC) on the IUCN Red List (1).
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Threats

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This sensitive species relies on a deep and productive forest and constant deforestation throughout its range threatens its population stability (5). The rapid increase in land devoted to growing oil palm has resulted in extensive loss of primary forest. Together, Malaysia and Indonesia export 88% of the world's palm oil, for use in products such as margarine, lipstick and detergent. Deforestation continues at a steady rate for conversion to agricultural land and building communities, and despite the contribution of many bats to the pollination and seed dispersal of many fruit crops, persecution of bats is also a threat (7).
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Spotted-winged fruit bat

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The spotted-winged fruit bat, (Balionycteris maculata) is the smallest megabat in the world, and the only species in the genus Balionycteris. It inhabits forests in Indonesia and Malaysia.

Description

Spotted-winged fruit bats are unusually small megabats, with a head-body length of 5.2 to 6.2 centimetres (2.0 to 2.4 in),[2] a wingspan of 28 centimetres (11 in), and an adult body weight of around 13 grams (0.46 oz). Most of the head and body are covered in thick blackish-brown fur, while the underparts are a pale grey-brown. Their wings are dark brown, with distinctive pale cream spots, which are most noticeable on the joints, but are also found in a variable pattern across the wing membranes.[3] The wings have been reported to have an aspect ratio of 5.8 and a wing loading of 9.51 N/m2.[4]

There are also pale markings in front of the large eyes, and on the ears, which are simple in shape, compared with those of microbats. The nostrils are elongated, and splayed to the side of the snout. The species can be distinguished from other small fruit bats by the presence of the spots on its wings, but also by its unusual dental formula of 2.1.3.21.1.3.2.[3]

Distribution and habitat

Spotted-winged fruit bats inhabit primary rain forest up to 1,500 metres (4,900 ft) elevation, and coastal mangrove forests. They are found across Malaysia and Brunei, and in the northern and western parts of the island of Borneo in Indonesia. At the edges of their range, they have also been reported from Trang Province in southern Thailand, from a small area in Sumatra, and from the Riau Archipelago. No subspecies are known.[3]

Behaviour and biology

Spotted-winged fruit bats forage in the understory of dense forest[4] where they feed on a range of generally small, inconspicuous fruit, such as figs and persimmon, and on some insects and spiders. They spend the day roosting alone or in small groups consisting of a male and up to nine females and their young. Rather than remaining with a single male, females may visit up to three different males. Males return regularly to their roosts during the night, suggesting that they gain access to females by controlling and defending prime roosting sites.[5]

They forage as individuals, rather than in a group, and rarely travel more than 1 kilometre (0.6 mi) from their roost site. They have been observed to make high-pitched "peep" noises when foraging, as well as more complex series of sounds when socialising. Roosts are of a consistent shape and size, and may be partially excavated by the bats, a behaviour that is otherwise unknown in this group of animals. They are generally located in the root masses of epiphytic plants, such as ferns, and also in the nests of ants and termites.[5]

Females give birth to a single young up to twice a year, typically between June and January. The young are born blind, and weighing around 3.5 grams (0.12 oz), after a gestation of 135 days. They are weaned by 40–80 days, and are able to fly by the time they have reached 5 grams (0.18 oz) in weight. Females are sexually mature at ten months of age.[3]

References

  1. ^ Bates, P.; Bumrungsri, S.; Suyanto, A.; Francis, C.; Kingston, T.; Tan, P. (2021). "Balionycteris maculata". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2021: e.T84454322A22030208. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2021-1.RLTS.T84454322A22030208.en. Retrieved 12 November 2021.
  2. ^ Shepherd, Chris R.; Loretta Ann, Shepherd (2012). A Naturalist's Guide to the Mammals of Southeast Asia. Wiltshire, UK: John Beaufoy Publishing. p. 20. ISBN 978-1-906780-71-5.
  3. ^ a b c d Hodgkison, Robert; Kunz, Thomas H. (2006). "Balionycteris maculata". Mammalian Species (793): 1–3. doi:10.1644/793.1.
  4. ^ a b Hodgkison, R.; et al. (2004). "Habitat structure, wing morphology, and the vertical stratification of Malaysian fruit bats (Megachiroptera, Pteropodidae)". Journal of Tropical Ecology. 20 (6): 667–673. doi:10.1017/S0266467404001737. S2CID 49389740.
  5. ^ a b Hodgkison, R.; et al. (2003). "Roosting ecology and social organization of the spotted-winged fruit bat, Balionycteris maculata (Chiroptera: Pteropodidae), in a Malaysian lowland dipterocarp forest". Journal of Tropical Ecology. 19 (6): 667–676. doi:10.1017/S0266467403006060. S2CID 49388480.

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Spotted-winged fruit bat: Brief Summary

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The spotted-winged fruit bat, (Balionycteris maculata) is the smallest megabat in the world, and the only species in the genus Balionycteris. It inhabits forests in Indonesia and Malaysia.

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