Species
Experimental setup
The Mauritius fruit bat (Pteropus niger) is an endangered bat species on the island of Mauritius with decreasing population numbers. The species faces several threats, which are mostly anthropogenic (cullings, habitat fragmentation, poaching, invasive species, power lines), and highlight the need for better education to enhance conservation efforts. Research about their social behaviour is still scarce and needs more attention.
Installation of one or two fruit baskets with local pre-cut fruit in a tree and video recording of the behaviour display.
Two fruit baskets were installed within an 8.7 m distance in the tree with video cameras attached. Another standing camera is installed in front of the tree 11.6 m away. The data was taken continuously ad libitum throughout the night
