@article {4408, title = {Ecological observations on epomophorine fruit-bats (Megachiroptera) in West African savanna woodland}, journal = {J. Zool. (Lond.)}, volume = {198}, number = {1}, year = {1982}, month = {1982}, pages = {53-67}, abstract = {Three species of Megachiroptera were studied in Mole National Park, Ghana, by systematic netting in various habitats and by observations of bats in the field and in captivity. This study, undertaken in July-August 1974 and 1975, is a preliminary attempt to elucidate how these species partition the resources available to them, with particular emphasis upon roosting habits, food resources, and temporal and spatial differences in foraging behaviour. All three species give birth towards the beginning of the wet season and are probably polyoestrus. The larger species, Epomophorus gambianus, does not appear to compete with the other two due to differences in roosting habits and the food resources available to it consequent upon its larger size. The two smaller species, Micropteropus pusillus and Nanonycteris veldkampi, are similar in size. N. veldkampi is presumed absent from Mole in the dry season when food is scarce; in the wet season it may minimise competition by being better adapted for nectarivory, foraging later, and foraging at a greater height than M. pusillus.}, keywords = {activity patterns, Chiroptera, competition, competitive exclusion, diet, ecology, Epomophorus gambianus, feeding habits, flowers, foraging, frugivory, Ghana, habitat preferences, Micropteropus pusillus, Nahrung, Nahrungsspektrum, Nahrungswahl, Nanonycteris veldkampii, nectarivory, niche overlap, Pteropodidae, West Africa}, author = {Marshall, A. G. and McWilliam, A. N.} }