Social Organization of the Bat,<i>Carollia perspicillata</i>(Chiroptera: Phyllostomidae)

Abstract

Abstract The social organization of the frugivorous bat, Carollia perspicillata , was studied by frequent visual censuses of a population in northwestern Costa Rica. A pattern of resource defense polygyny was found, based on male defense of roosting sites in caves and hollow trees. Protected roost sites were apparently limited. Harem compositions were relatively labile and female groups did not appear to be cooperative. Harem males were among the oldest and heaviest members of the population and these attributes were also correlated with the size of the harems they defended.