Monitoring bat population in the University of Energy and Natural Resources, Sunyani, Ghana

Abstract
The monitoring of the population of straw-colored fruit bats (Eidolon helvum) in the University of Energy and Natural Resources’ Wildlife Sanctuary started from January 2013 to December 2016. The Continuous Point Count Method was used to estimate the monthly population size of E. helvum. The population data was analyzed using time series to represent the thirty-six months’ population data shows a linear trend forecast. The results indicated that bats were present in the study area throughout the survey period, however, their numbers varied between months. The population were high in March and December, but low between the months of May to October. The mean population estimates in the dry season was higher than in the rainy season. However, there was no significant difference between the mean dry and rainy season population. The population dropped sharply from 2013 to 2014 due to construction work, but started growing steadily in 2015/16, SD = 215.0, CV = 83.0% and MEAN 957,499. To detect the trend, the power, ‘t’ distribution function was used to detect monthly and seasonal differences in the population, t = -0.409, P < 0.05, CV = 152.9%. All the three-year data were weighted equally and two-sided tests, to examine either upward or downward trends, were used, with a more liberal alpha level of 10% P <0.10. Bats roosting on the trees will continue their role as seed dispersers and destruction of trees on the campus, until a management strategy is introduced.
KEY WORDS: Eidolon; helvum; Population; Point Count Method; Straw colored fruit bats; Wildlife Sanctuary.

Posted on April 7, 2017 09:02 AM by james123