Chiropteran fauna in Setiu, Terengganu

Abstract

The study of Chiropteran fauna was conducted from August 2006 until January 2007 in Setiu, Terengganu. The objectives of this study were to investigate the bat diversity and to establish a checklist of bat fauna in Setiu, Terengganu. Mist-netting was used in the sampling area for five consecutive days monthly. Each captured individual was identified into species and the data of sexes, reproductive status, age, length of forearm and weight were taken. A total of 54 individuals from four species of a single family, Pteropodidae were recorded in 240 net-nights. The species recorded were Cynopterus brachyolis, Eonycteris spelaea, Balionycteris maculata and Penthetor lucasi. The most abundance species recorded was E. spelaea (50%), followed by C. brachyotis (42.59%). Capture success by using nets was low with 0.23 individual/net­ night. The highest capture was in November with 26 individuals. The bat diversity and population might have been affected by the food and roost availability of the habitat.