Roost Characteristics, Dietary Composition and Echolocation of Hipposideros ruber (Noack’s Round Leaf Bat) from a Roost at Obafemi Awolowo University

Abstract

Insectivorous bats play key roles in maintaining ecosystem balance in different ecological setups, relying on echolocation to navigate obstacles, escape predators and obtain food and mate. Understanding Insectivorous bats and the roles played in altered landscapes are important to food security and one health. We assessed Hipposideros ruber roost characteristics (sex ratio, morphometrics), diet and echolocation at a roost in Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria. Twenty bats were captured using mist nets following standard protocol, they were then extracted and placed in cotton bags to allow for release of faecal pellets. Ten pellets were collected from each bat and stored in 70% ethanol for identification of insect diet using a stereomicroscope. Blatteria was dominant in the diet followed by Lepidoptera. Hipposideros ruber echolocation ranged from 109-111 kHz. Insect order consumed varied by sex and contributes to controlling important pests of agriculture (livestock and crops) and disease vectors. Conservation of Hipposideros ruber roost sites will ensure continuous supply of biological control services required for food security and sustainable agriculture.