Ecology, distribution, status and protection of three Congolese fruit bats

Patrick Kipalu Kongo

Two or three endemic fruit bats occur in the savannas south of the Central African rain forest block: Epomophoris grandis, Micropteropus intermedius and Epomophorus cf. labiatus. According to IUCN, two are Data Deficient and one has not been evaluated. Part of their probable habitat, tree savanna and forest margins, has been degraded through deforestation, drought and recent wars. This project plans to interview local populations and study bats and vegetation at six sites; examine biology, ecology and distribution of these bats, possible bat damage to tree fruit, and the bats' conservation situation; prepare recommendations for their IUCN Red List classification and, if called for, for their official legal protection in the two Congos