The study carried out by Rocha’s team

Aim

● to investigate the feeding habits of bats in farmland near the Ranomafana National Park

Method

● ultrasonic recording to identify favourite feeding spots
● DNA analysis of bat 7 …………………

Findings

● the bats
– were most active in rice fields located on hills
– ate pests of rice, 8 …………………, sugarcane, nuts and fruit
– prevent the spread of disease by eating 9 ………………… and blackflies
● local attitudes to bats are mixed:
– they provide food rich in 10 …………………
– the buildings where they roost become 11 …………………
– they play an important role in local 12 …………………

Recommendation

● farmers should provide special 13 ………………… to support the bat population