Seasonal Variations in Diet Choice of the Indian Flying Fox, Pteropus medius

The seasonal diet choice of the Indian flying fox, Pteropus medius, was carried out in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India, from March 2023 to February 2024. A total of 885 fecal samples (bolus and guano) were gathered from nine roost sites and analyzed. The analysis indicated that the diet predominantly consisted of six genera across five plant families, with F. racemosa and the Moraceae family being the most prevalent. Seasonal variations in dietary composition included the consumption of M. alba, P. guajava, and N. cadamba, while F. racemosa and F. benjamina which were abundant during the summer, monsoon, and post monsoon periods. Generalized Linear Model (GLM) utilizing a gamma distribution demonstrated that P. guajava and F. racemosa were the most frequently consumed species during the monsoon and summer seasons in the guano. The significant seasonal effects with increased consumption was observed during the monsoon and summer. The bolus analysis indicated a preference for F. benjamina and M. indica. These findings highlight the seasonal dietary adaptations of P. medius, emphasizing the essential role of specific plant species, particularly during the monsoon and summer seasons, in fulfilling its nutritional requirements.