Global Journal of Biology, Agriculture & Health Sciences

Abstract

Abundance and Species Composition of Indigenous and Exotic Fruit Trees in the Feeding sites of Fruit Bats: A Study Case of Kasanka National Park and Kafinda Game Management Area, Central Zambia

Chansa Chomba,Caludia Sianjobo

We conducted a basic inventory of tree species composition, density and frequency, to establish baseline data on abundance and phenology of fruiting trees in the known fruit bats’ foraging areas. The study was carried out between November and December 2014 and January to February 2015, in Kasanka National Park and Kafinda Game Management Area. This area hosts one of the largest global concentrations of fruit bats estimated at ten million in one single locality every October – December/January and was therefore, found to be suitable for this study.Plot method using 20 m x 20 m square quadrats were set up inside the National Park and Kafinda Game Management Area. Each tree in the plot was identified and DBH taken at 1.3 m above ground. Tree height was determined using a tree height measuring rod and Haga Car Leiss altimeter. Identification of tree species was done by; i) direct observation, ii) use of a field guide, and iii) use of an experienced herbarium technician. Results obtained showed that there were 64 species of trees. Of these, 20 (approximately 30 %) were fruit trees, of which 16 (approximately 80 %) were available and accessible to fruit bats. Mangifera indica (an exotic species) and Uapaca spp were the most abundant fruit trees with relative abundance > 10 %. The density of the trees was high at 365/ha of which 199/ha (55 %) was covered by fruit trees. The study area had abundant flowering and fruiting trees (55% by area). Further research is required to; i) investigate other environmental factors influencing the choice of Kasanka area as a feeding and roosting site for migratory fruit bats, and ii) explore potential alternative sites for migrant fruit bats which share similar phenology and tree species composition as the Kasanka area.

Published Date: 2016-10-02;