Nutthakarn Boonpha. Seasonal variation in the morphology and population estimates of wrinkle-lipped free-tailed bat (chaerephon plicatus) in the Khao Chong Phran non-hunting area, Ratchaburi province, Thailand. Master's Degree(Forest Biological Science). Kasetsart University. Office of the University Library. : Kasetsart University, 2019.
Seasonal variation in the morphology and population estimates of wrinkle-lipped free-tailed bat (chaerephon plicatus) in the Khao Chong Phran non-hunting area, Ratchaburi province, Thailand
Abstract:
To investigate the variation of Wrinkle-Lipped Free-Tailed Bats (WLFTB) in external morphology throughout a whole year and correlation with some climatic factors, with monitored population as a subordinate objective. Seven characteristics of each WLFTB were measured age and sex was classified. Reproductive status in adult female was considered. Monthly field collection was conducted through 2016. Twice times a month from June to October 2017 were explored for population estimated. The total 1,715 individuals WLFTB were studied and divided as 657 males (405 matures and 252 non-matures) and 1,058 females (657 matures and 401 nonmatures) in matures females can separated as 417 non-reproductive, 121 lactation and 119 pregnant. Only matures bats were considered for analyses. Males had significantly larger forearm lengths and body masses than females. The body masses of both sexes peaked at the beginning and end of the rainy season. Seasonal fluctuations in body mass were most closely correlated with monthly variation in rainfall. The averaged population in rainy season was 3,136,061 of individuals. The climate in western Thailand is expected to become warmer and drier, with likely negative effects on populations of this bat species due to reductions in insect food resources. Maintenance of this large population of WLFTB in study area will depend on concerted conservation efforts and further research focused on population dynamics, prey availability, and foraging habitats.
Kasetsart University. Office of the University Library