Foraging Ecology and Energetics of the Frugivorous Bat Artibeus Jamaicensis

Abstract

In Panama that bat Artibeus jamaicensis feeds primarily on figs (fruits of the genus Ficus). One hundred forty—two Ficus trees in 25 ha were mapped and their fruit production monitored for 2yr. Radio—tracking observations of foraging A. jamaicensis revealed that each bat carries away 9 ± 2 figs per night, enough to provide 40% more than the 43.9 kJ needed daily for basal metabolism and minimum maintenance flying. The estimated 6 ± 2 A. jamaicensis per ha carried away °7% of the 200, 000 figs (650kg) produced annually per hectare. Artibeus jamaicensis appears to be the most important dispersal agent for fig seeds in this area.