Novel observations of chiropterophily in Palaquium obovatum and flower visitation by Cynopterus brachyotis

Abstract

Observation of flower visitations and pollination behaviour of the lesser dog-faced fruit bat, Cynopterus brachyotis (Pteropodidae), to Palaquium obovatum (Sapotaceae) in the Singapore Botanic Gardens is presented. Floral anthesis was found to occur in the evening and last around 24 hours, displaying typical chiropterophilous features. Although the Sapotaceae family is thought to be entomophilous, no insects were recorded as engaging in pollination activity despite the use of sticky traps and daytime observations. Bat visitation led to successful fruit set, which suggests that these mammals may have more positive ecological contributions to native ecosystems in Singapore than previously thought.