Rousettus aegyptiacus (Pteropodidae) in the Palaearctic: List of records and revision of the distribution range

The populations of Rousettus aegyptiacus inhabiting the Palaearctic part of the species range represent the only offshoot of the family Pteropodidae beyond tropics. In this contribution, we revised distribution status of the species in different parts of its Palaearctic range, re-examined the literature data and supplemented them with an extensive set of original records obtained in the field during the last two decades. Based on that, we compiled a complete list of the records of R. aegyptiacus from the Palaearctic Region, covering the range delineated by 12-38° N and 26-68° E. Two distribution patterns were recognised: (1) a locally continuous range in the thermo-Mediterranean zone of S Turkey, W Syria, Lebanon, N Israel, and NW Jordan, (2a) a clearly discontinuous distribution in sub-tropical deserts of the Saharo-Sindian zone (S Levant, Egypt incl. Sinai, N Sudan, Arabian Peninsula, S Iran and S Pakistan), characterised by more or less isolated patches of distribution in desert oases and smaller areas of relatively humid habitats, and (2b) a supposedly continuous linear distribution along the Nile in Egypt, including its extensions in the El Fayum Oasis and Nile Delta. These patterns differ from the distribution characteristics of R. aegyptiacus in the sub-Saharan African range, where this fruit bat is reported to inhabit continuous belts of rather open habitats stretching over large parts of the continent. Detailed data from the Dakhla Oasis (less than 1,000 km2) in the Western Desert of Egypt illustrate flexibility in roosting and foraging requirements of the species and its considerable capacity for long-term survival in small (2,000-3,000 inds.) and rather isolated populations.