The collections of the two native, near threatened pteropid species in Peninsular Malaysia by the Institute for Medical Research, Malaysia: the large flying fox (Pteropus vampyrus) and island flying fox (Pteropus hypomelanus)

Abstract

The large flying fox, Pteropus vampyrus and island flying fox, Pteropus hypomelanus are two native bat species in Malaysia with ecological importance, which are classified as "Endangered" in the RED LIST of Mammals for Peninsular Malaysia 2017 in view of the population decline following deforestation, overhunting and habitat destruction. This study described the morphology and habitat distribution of all voucher specimens of P. vampyrus (n= 17) and P. hypomelanus (n= 12) collected in Institute for Medical Research (IMR) employing descriptive analysis; and evaluated the comparison of anthropometric measurements between the male and female flying fox utilizing independent t-test. The information generated in the present study will therefore provide references to the future ecological and zoological researches in the country to compare if any changes have occurred to the morphology and distribution of the species following ecosystem disturbance. The finding will enable the formulation of measures/approaches to the conservation of both species in the country.