The Fiji Blossom bat is quite small, with body size (nose-tip to anus) ranging from 98-110 mm in males; 95-107 mm in females.

Distribution

This bat is restricted to Vanuatu and Fiji. Within Fiji, the Fiji Blossom bat is only found on three islands: Viti Levu, Vanua Levu and Taveuni. On Viti Levu, they are known to roost in the Tatuba caves, Wailotua caves and Kalabu caves.

Description

The Fiji Blossom bat is quite small, with body size (nose-tip to anus) ranging from 98-110 mm in males; 95-107 mm in females. One of the distinguishing features of this bat is that it has an elongate muzzle, and a very long, free tail which resembles that of a mouse. The wings meet in the back midline, giving the back a wrinkled appearance.

Habitat Ecology and Behaviour

The Fiji Blossom bat is a nectar feeding bat and is dependent on good forest habitat. There is limited ecological data available. However, it is known to roost in caves with very high ceilings in the thousands in the lowlands. Amazingly, these bats travel all the way to the montane forests (highlands) to forage. These bats are faithful to their roosting sites, with one of the caves in Kalabu having been occupied by Fiji Blossom bats since 1912. Some populations give birth in August Ã¢â‚¬â€œ September.

Threats

The low populations in tourist frequented roosting caves, and deforested areas compared to inaccessible and intact forest areas indicate the negative impact of human visitation and deforestation on these native mammals. Viti Levu possibly only the only island with roosting populations or sites Ã¢â‚¬â€œ no roosting sites have been found on Taveuni or Vanua Levu. Predation by introduced mammals such as the mongoose and cat are also a threat to roosting populations.

Hunting for the Fiji Blossom bats is a problem. Because they roost in hundreds, or in thousands in caves, they are more vulnerable and are an easy target for hunters who can kill them in large numbers.

The lack of ecological knowledge on this species is in itself an obstacle to determining potential threats and appropriate conservation management issues.

Conservation Status

The Fijian population probably represents half the global population of this bat which became extinct from Tonga in prehistoric times. While it is not rare in Fiji, bone collections suggest that it was once more widespread than it is today. It is its roosting in caves that makes it vulnerable to predation and hunting, and is therefore listed as Vulnerable under the IUCN Redlist of Threatened Species.

Ideally to conserve this species, hunting and roost site visits should stop. Further research should include searching for roosting sites on Vanua Levu.

Remarks and Cultural Significance

Ideally to conserve this species, hunting and roost site visits should stop. Further research should include searching for roosting sites on Vanua Levu.