Correlation between Flora Diversity and Abundance of Bat (Eidolon helvum) in Bowen University, Iwo, Nigeria
Keywords:
Reconnaissance survey, systematic sample, roost site, correlation, bat conservation.Abstract
The study was conducted in Bowen University Campus Iwo, Osun State, Nigeria. Systematic sample
stratification was used to stratify the bat- occupied and unoccupied zones based on the presence of
roost trees occupied by bats and to identify all tree samples to species level and enumerated. Many
parts of the University Landscape represented the main bat trees occupied as bat roost site. Some
other factors that describe the physical appearance of the trees were also observed such as diameter at
breast height (DBH), Canopy cover, tree height, number of branches and bark condition. Correlation
between bat abundances and available food resources is at p > 0.005. High population index of bats at
the site determine their life cycle and simultaneously design a conservation strategy. Observation is on
negative impact of bats on trees resulting from suppression of flowering/fruiting and defoliation. The
Biodiversity of the study site is solemn in bats conservation management.
