Feeding Evidence, Roost Abundance, Diversity and Conservation Considerations of Fruit Bats in the Kano Emirate Palace Gardens, Nigeria

Abstract

Background and Aims: Fruit bats contribute to ecological processes in tropical urban landscapes, yet site-specific information from northern Nigeria remains limited. This study assessed fruit-bat feeding evidence, roost abundance, assemblage diversity and conservation considerations at three sampled roost sites within the Kano Emirate Palace gardens, Nigeria, and stakeholder perceptions relevant to conservation. Study Design: A site-specific observational study integrating repeated ecological observations with a stakeholder questionnaire survey. Place and Duration of Study: Three fixed roost sites (R1–R3) within the Kano Emirate Palace gardens were surveyed from 3 to 25 May 2025 during four consecutive weekly sampling rounds. Each round comprised Saturday and Sunday evening sessions from 18:00 to 19:10 h, yielding eight daily count sessions. Methodology: Direct visual counts were conducted by six observers, with two assigned to each roost. Counts were recorded separately by roost and taxon or morphotype. Because bats were not marked or uniquely identifiable, observations from different sessions were treated as repeated observations rather than estimates of unique individuals or absolute population size. Feeding-related signs were recorded as site-level evidence unless directly attributable to an identified bat. A structured questionnaire was administered to 100 purposively selected respondents from five stakeholder groups. Results: Four fruit-bat taxa or morphotypes were detected: Eidolon helvum, Epomophorus gambianus, Rousettus aegyptiacus and a provisional Epomophorus cf. crypturus morphotype. Across the four weekly rounds, 5,428 cumulative observations were recorded, of which E. helvum contributed 5,400 (99.48%). Shannon–Wiener diversity was H′ = 0.037, Simpson’s diversity 1 − D = 0.010 and Pielou’s evenness J′ = 0.027. Feeding-related signs included partially consumed fruits, pulp and expelled seeds. Among stakeholders, 77% perceived declining bat numbers, 73% reported hunting, 70% perceived environmental benefits and 72% supported conservation. Conclusion: The study provides a short-term, site-specific baseline for the sampled palace-garden roosts. Protection of mature roost trees, retention of fruiting vegetation, reduction of hunting and disturbance, and standardised long-term monitoring are recommended.