Declines and trade in fruit bats on Saipan, Tinian, Aguijan, and Rota
Stinson DW, Glass PO, Taisacan EM. 1992. Declines and trade in fruit bats on Saipan, Tinian, Aguijan, and Rota. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service biological report. 90(23):61-67
Article describes historical record of population declines due to habitat destruction (from pigs, human increased development, and sugar cultivation) and hunting for local and commercial interests. Departure counts were conducted on Saipan, Tinian, Aguijan, and Rota. Total estimated population for all four islands is believed to be 1,182. Estimated carrying capacity is 15,855. Recommendations include education efforts in all aspects of conservation, improvements in wildlife enforcement, and regulation of bat imports. Poaching, development, and the brown tree snake (Boiga irregularis) are all concerns for recovery of the species. These threats warrant the listing of this species on the Federal Endangered Species List. Research needs include determining seasonal habitat requirements and sustainable harvest of Pteropus mariannus. Roosting sites and limestone forest habitat also need to be protected.
- Type
- Journal Article
- Authors
- Stinson, Derek; Glass, Philip; Taisacan, Estanislao
- Units
- AMME
- Keywords
- Aguijan CNMI, Animal Studies, commercial exploitation, fruit bats (Pteropidae), Mammals, Population Decline, Rota CNMI, Saipan CNMI, Threatened-Endangered-Sensitive Animals, Tinian CNMI