We compared morphological indices, flight behaviour, and foraging and habitat
use in two sympatric species of flying foxes, the insular flying fox
(Pteropus tonganus) and the Samoan flying fox
(Pteropus samoensis), to test the prediction that
morphologically similar species overlap in ecology. Both species are fruit and
flower specialists, forage for patchily distributed food, fly with a foetus or
young, and transport large-seeded fruits. Patterns of major foraging activity
and foraging mode vary between species: P. samoensis is
predominantly diurnal and uses soaring flight for commuting and assessing food
resources, while P. tonganus is predominantly nocturnal
and commutes extensive distances between roosts and foraging areas. Our
results indicate that P. tonganus and
P. samoensis are morphologically and ecologically
similar, despite differences in flight behaviour. Differences in flight
behaviour are attributable to the time of day when most extensive flying
occurs for each species.
Linking Use of Ship Channels by West Indian Manatees (Trichechus manatus) to Seasonal Migration and Habitat Use