Observations by jackb

Hypsignathus feeding on large figs (Ficus) at night, one of two main foods during breeding season. Figs are spotty and ephemeral foods for these bats. Their regular staple that is traplines are several species of Anthocleista. Photo taken at fig across river from lek in August 1972.

Male hanging from his display perch on lek, flapping wings, and calling during peak mating season July 1971. Male is performing "staccato buzz", a rapid modulation of honking call performed to females when they hover near the male. Female can barely be seen on right of photo hovering to this male. Females visit multiple males (indicated by sequence of staccato buzzes along lek) and then select one for mating. Female ends copulation with loud squeals so matings are easily counted.

Adult male mist netted in secondary forest below Catholic Mission in Makokou, Gabon. June 1970. This area hosted many calling males, about 30 m apart. Like Hypsignathus, males flap wings when calling and unlike the bigger species, evert the white pouches. Females visit calling males and hover before them, and both sexes exchange calls at this time. Males may do a synchopated version of the call when females are visiting or before moving to an adjacent singing perch. Both sexes eat figs and Solanum fruits.