Isaac Scientific Publishing

Ecology and Sustainable Development

Nuisance Activities of Straw Colored Fruit Bats (Eidolon helvum) on the University of Energy and Natural Resources, Ghana

Download PDF (672.2 KB) PP. 1 - 6 Pub. Date: February 1, 2020

DOI: 10.22606/esd.2020.31001

Author(s)

  • Agyei-Ohemeng, James*
    Department of Ecotourism, Recreation and Hospitality, University of Energy and Natural Resources, Sunyani, Ghana
  • Adu Yeboah, Bright
    Department of Ecotourism, Recreation and Hospitality, University of Energy and Natural Resources, Sunyani, Ghana
  • Asamoah, Francis Boafo
    Department of Ecotourism, Recreation and Hospitality, University of Energy and Natural Resources, Sunyani, Ghana
  • Opoku Ohemeng, Mordecai
    Department of Mathematics, University of Energy and Natural Resources, Sunyani, Ghana

Abstract

Different nuisance behaviors by wild animals through their activities have been reported in the world where humans and wildlife have been living in the same habitat and sharing resources. In these study activities of straw colored fruit bats (Eidolon helvum) were observed and recorded on the University of Energy and Natural Resources campus in Ghana using direct observation and survey questionnaires. From the results of the study it was observed that at high population densities, the most nuisance activities caused on the respondents (90) were dropping of urine, (N=45; 50%; x2=6.52, p=0.04), excreta (N=45; 50%; x2=6.52, p=0.04) and all respondents did not like the marking of walls of the University with their excreta. At the same time 49% of respondents (210) did not like the noise during roosting while 48% disliked their activities causing breaking of branches and 43% were against defoliating of trees causing environmental damages to the roost trees at high population. Meanwhile it was observed that these activities coincide with their migration periods. During the low population occupancy, the students are on holidays. These activities of bats are therefore considered nuisance and therefore proper management of these bats are needed to control them.

Keywords

Population, habitat, fruigivores, resources, environmental, excreta

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