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Madagascar Bats Shrinking Due to Hunting Pressure
9 Nov
Summary
- Malagasy flying foxes skulls have shrunk by about 6% since the 1980s.
- Increased hunting pressure targeting larger bats is suspected.
- Malagasy flying fox populations have declined by approximately two-thirds.
Malagasy flying foxes, bats with wingspans up to 1.5 meters, are notably shrinking. Research indicates their skulls have decreased in size by approximately 6% since the 1980s. This change is linked to escalating hunting pressure, where larger bats are increasingly targeted for meat.
This selective hunting means smaller bats survive and reproduce, leading to a gradual size reduction in the species. The population of Malagasy flying foxes has also suffered a substantial decline, estimated at about two-thirds from its early 2000s numbers.
Conservationists express concern that these human-driven changes could impact the species' long-term adaptability to environmental shifts. Further genetic studies are planned to understand the resilience of the remaining populations. The situation highlights the need to balance local community needs with vital conservation efforts for this species.
