The Simla Bat-Banding Programme: 1968-1970

Abstract

In March, 1968, Dr. John S. Hall of the Department of Biology, Albright College, Reading, Pennsylvania, and the author jointly initiated a programme of studies on the life-histories of several species of Chiroptera on Trinidad. The primary species being studied is the common Short-tailed Fruit Bat, Carollia perspicillata. In this species a major portion of the field studies involve population dynamics, reproductive biology, longevity, food habits, and homing ability. In a second species, the nectar-feeding Tailless Long-tongued Bat, Anoura geoffroyi, we are concentrating on food-habits, reproductive biology, population movements, and homing ability. Incidental studies of lesser scope are also being carried out on Rhynchonycteris naso, Saccopteryx leptura, S. bilineata, Glossophaga soricina, Phyllostomus hastatus, P. discolor, Artibeus jamaicensis, and A. lituratus.