A habitat suitability analysis at multi-spatial scale of two sympatric flying fox species reveals the urgent need for conservation action

摘要: In this study we used a multi-spatial scale approach to investigate habitat suitability, roosting characteristics, and ecological niche in two flying fox species on the Comoros Islands—Pteropus livingstonii Pteropus seychellensis comorensis. At broad scale, assessed suitability for both using Species Distribution Modeling method based recent ensembles of small models (ESM) approach. fine Ecological Niche Factor Analysis (ENFA) was applied assess selection by each species. Direct observation at roost estimate total number individuals identify characteristics. scales, analyses highlighted clear partitioning We found that P. has very limited distribution, restricted steep, high-elevation slopes islands’ remaining natural forests, patterns were same roosting, foraging sites entire habitat. By contrast, s. comorensis relatively large geographic range extends over low-elevation farmlands villages it negatively correlated forest across area all sites, but its areas positively high elevation areas. Both selected large, tall trees roosting. The studied estimated be 1243 11,898 results our demonstrated these use different types ensure ecosystem services pollination seed dispersion thus are critical maintaining overall dynamics. However, currently level hunting pressure disturbance makes them vulnerable extinction. To viability species, conservation measures need taken government.