The effect of contraceptive implants on the behavior of female Rodrigues fruit bats, Pteropus rodricensis

摘要: This study investigated the effects of a melengestrol acetate contraceptive implant on behavior captive Rodrigues fruit bats (Pteropus rodricensis). Eighteen female (nine controls and nine implanted animals) were studied over three 4 week periods: prior to implantation, immediately postimplantation, 6 months postimplantation. The only significant differences found postimplantation that time spent hanging alert decreased in both groups and, concurrently, amount engaged other activities, most noticeably social interactions, increased. In connection with this, number nearest neighbors However, these changes seen all also associated increasing size resident colony. There no between two or sexual partners course study. physical implants, increased weight gain retarded hair regrowth above incision site, very clearly shown. was 22% rate rejection/loss implants. None produced offspring has shown implants are an effective way limit reproduction bats, at least short term, have effect this highly species. © 1996 Wiley-Liss. Inc.