Photo courtesy of Michael R. Gannon
Desmarest’s Red Fig-eating Bat (Eng.), Murciélago frutero
nativo (Sp.), Stenoderma rufum darioi; Native, Luquillo Forest, Puerto
Rico.
Information compiled by Alan Mowbray, Interpretive Media Writer,
EYNF/LEF
General Information:
Stenodermus rufum darioi is commonly found in the Luquillo Experimental
Forest (part of the El Yunque NF) in northeastern Puerto Rico. At one
time this species represented approximately 25% of the bats captured
in that forest’s tabonuco section. The name Stenoderma is derived
from the Greek stenos=narrow, and derma=skin, and refer to the narrow
tail-membrane typical of this species.
Description:
This bat can measure 2.7 inches (69 millimeters) in length, with a 2
inch (52 millimeter) forearm and typically weighs up to 1.09 ounces
(31 grams). Females of this species are somewhat larger than males.
Fur is brown or tan and ventral hairs are tipped with gray and appear
somewhat lighter. A white spot is visible on the side of the head under
each ear and both sexes have a white shoulder patch about 0.1 inch
(4 millimeters) in diameter. The red fig-eating bat’s gentle
disposition, medium body size, white fur patches and lack of a tail
easily distinguish this animal from all other Puerto Rican bats.
Habits:
The red fig-eating bat is primarily a frugivore (fruit eater), but despite
its common name, there is no evidence that it actually eats figs! In
the Luquillo mountains it commonly eats the fruit of the trumpet-wood
tree (Cecropia peltata), bullet-wood tree (Manilkara bidentata) and
sierra palm (Prestoea montana). Frugiverous bats play an important
part in the dispersal of seeds in tropical ecosystems and the red fig-eating
bat may be the only disperser of bullet-wood seeds in the tabonuco
forest section.
Habitat:
Unlike other bat species that live in large colonies in caves, both the
male and female of this species are solitary, and roost among the leaves
of the forest canopy. They frequently change their roosting locations,
seldom occupying the same site more than once. They are active throughout
the night, returning to the day roost just before dawn.
Where to look for this animal in the EYNF:
This bat can usually be found dormant during the day in tree branches
in the tabonuco forest. On moonlit nights they can be seen foraging
in the same area.
Additional Information:
Gannon, M.R. et al (2003), The Bats of Puerto Rico: An Island focus and
Caribbean Perspective.
Biologist
USDA Forest Service
El Yunque National Forest
HC-01 Box 13490
Rio Grande, PR 00745-9625
787-888-5610
Jorge Saliva
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
PO Box 491
Boquerón, PR 00622
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