Harpyionycteris whitehead was first described in 1896. Three subspecies of H. whiteheadi- H. w. celebensis, H.w. negrosensis, and H. w. whiteheadi-have been recognized. Sometimes H. w. celebensis is identified as a separate species (H. celebensis) (Mickelburgh et. al. 1992; Nowak 1997; Utzurrum 1992).
Perception Channels: tactile ; chemical
The only status description of H. whiteheadi is from the IUCN RedList in 1996. Although overall the species is listed as Lower Risk, some populations in Sulawesi are listed as Vulnerable. Information on the status of most populations of H. whiteheadi is insufficient. Populations appear fairly stable. The greatest threat to H. whiteheadi is habitat destruction by the deforestation of the primary forests (UNEP-WCMC 2001; Heaney et. al. 1999; Mickleburgh and Carroll 1994; Mickleburgh et. al. 1992).
US Federal List: no special status
CITES: no special status
IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: least concern
Harpyionycteris whiteheadi eats ficus fruits, which aids in the germination of the ficus seeds as they get excreted and dispersed (Utzurrum 1992).
Ecosystem Impact: disperses seeds
The main food source of H. whiteheadi consists of the fruiting pandan vine, a bright red fruit, which are found principally in the primary forest. They also feed on species of Ficus.
Populations of H. whiteheadi forage within a fairly large home range up in the canopy and the upper subcanopy (Mickleburgh et. al. 1992; Nowak 1997; Utzurrum 1992).
Plant Foods: fruit
Primary Diet: herbivore (Frugivore )
Harpyionycteris whiteheadi populations are found in the Philippines, on the islands of Bilivan, Camiguin, Leyte, Southern Luzon, Maripipi, Mindanao, Mindoro, and Negros. Populations have also been found on the Indonesian Islands of Sulawesi (Heaney et. al. 1999; Mickleburgh et. al. 1992; Nowak 1997).
Biogeographic Regions: oriental (Native )
Other Geographic Terms: island endemic
Harpyionycteris whiteheadi is generally only found in primary (old-growth) tropical forest. They will also fly into secondary forest, or forest that has been lightly disturbed. Individuals may fly out into clearings for a short distance. However, they never travel more than a few km from the primary forest. Populations of H. whiteheadi prefer to inhabit forest habitats at mid-elevations (around 500m and above), but not the upper mossy forest. Individuals have been caputured at much lower and higher elevations. They will not live in urban or agriculturally cleared regions (Heaney 1999; Heideman 1987; Heideman and Heaney 1989; Mickleburgh 1992; Utzurrum 1992)
Range elevation: 150 to 1600 + m.
Average elevation: 500 + m.
Habitat Regions: tropical
Terrestrial Biomes: rainforest
Fur of H. whiteheadi ranges in color from dark brown to chocolate on the upper body, lighter on the underside. These bats lack a tail. The uropatagium is small and hidden beneath thick fur. Hind feet are short. Overall head and body length ranges from 140 to 153 mm. The forearm length ranges from 82 to 92 mm.
The skull structure of H. whiteheadi differs from that of other Pteropodidae (Old World Fruit Bats). The premaxillary bones are strongly inclined forward, as are the upper incisors and the upper and lower canines. The canines are very pronounced. When the jaw is closed, the canines cross at right angles to each other. The detailed dental structure also differs from other Old World Fruit Bats. Five or six distinct cusps are found on the molars and three cusps on the lower canines. Specialized teeth with extra cusps may have adapted to extract juice from tough-surfaced fruits, so that the bat can avoid ingesting the fibers of the fruits (Ingle and Heaney 1992; Nowak 1997).
Range mass: 83 to 142 g.
Range length: 140 to 153 mm.
Other Physical Features: endothermic ; homoiothermic; bilateral symmetry
Many females gain maturity quickly, andsome give birth by the age of one year. Females give birth to only a single young at a time. Two synchronized birthing periods occur each year. One occurs during the mid-rainy season, and the other in the early rainy season. Since lactation lasts only 3-4 months, a female may give birth up to two young per year. However, some females donot give birth during the first birthing period of the year when conditions may not be as favorable. A two month period exists between giving birth and the next conception (Heideman 1987; Mickleburgh et. al. 1992; Nowak 1997).
Breeding season: Two Seasons: 1. January and early February; 2. July and early August
Average number of offspring: 1.
Average gestation period: 4-5 months.
Range age at sexual or reproductive maturity (female): 1 (low) years.
Range age at sexual or reproductive maturity (male): 1 (low) years.
Key Reproductive Features: seasonal breeding ; gonochoric/gonochoristic/dioecious (sexes separate); sexual ; viviparous
Parental Investment: altricial
The harpy fruit bat (Harpyionycteris whiteheadi) is a species of megabat in the family Pteropodidae. It is endemic to the Philippines.[1]
It was described as a new species in 1896 by British zoologist Oldfield Thomas. The specimens that he examined in Britain had been collected by English explorer John Whitehead, after whom the species name whiteheadi was chosen. Of Whitehead, Thomas wrote "Mr. Whitehead is to be congratulated on this interesting addition to the splendid discoveries he has already made in the Philippine Islands." The holotype was collected by Whitehead in December 1895 on the island of Mindoro at an elevation of 5,000 ft (1,500 m). Thomas created the genus Harpyionycteris for this species, and it was the only species in this genus until the description of the Sulawesi harpy fruit bat in 1921.[2]
The harpy fruit bat is two-tone in color, being mostly dark brown and lighter brown on its underside. It has no tail but does have a small, fur-covered uropatagium. Its overall length is 140–153 mm (5.5–6.0 in).[3] Its canines, premaxillary bones, and upper incisors lean forward causing the upper and lower canines to cross forming nearly right angles when the mouth is closed.[3][4] The molars are multicuspidate having five or six cusps on each. The lower canines have three cusps (tricuspidate).[3][4] They weigh 83–142 g (2.9–5.0 oz).[3]
The harpy fruit bat is frugivorous and eats from the viney pandans and some fig species.[1][3] The excretion of seeds in the bat's guano helps with the dispersal of these plant species.[3][5]
Male and female harpy fruit bats reach sexual maturity within a year. There are two breeding seasons, the first is from January to February and the second is from July to August. The females only have one pup at a time with a gestation period of four to five months. Afterwards they lactate for three or four months. Some females breed during both seasons having two pups per year while others only breed during the second season.[3]
Harpy fruit bats are found on the Philippine islands of Biliran, Maripipi, Camiguin, Leyte, Southern Luzon, Mindanao, Mindoro, Negros, Cebu, Masbate, and Samar. They reside in primary (old growth), secondary, and lightly disturbed montane forests. Their range in elevation is between sea level and 1,800m, preferring to stay in habitats of "mid-elevation (around 500m)".[3] As with other fruit bats, harpy fruit bats are crepuscular and "roost in trees" instead of caves.[1][3]
The harpy fruit bat population is thought to be stable. The greatest threat it faces is deforestation. However, this is not thought to be a major threat since the current deforestation within its range is mainly occurring in lower elevations.[1][3] This species is also subject to hunting for bushmeat, as bat dishes are locally popular for special occasions.[6] The extent to which it is hunted, however, is questioned, with other sources saying that it is "rarely if ever" hunted.[1]
The harpy fruit bat (Harpyionycteris whiteheadi) is a species of megabat in the family Pteropodidae. It is endemic to the Philippines.
