Misunderstood flying fox could prove bat species demise, warn scientists
(PHYSorg.com Biology)

A large fruit-eating bat native to Mauritius is the subject of controversy over the announcement of a major cull to protect the Indian island`s fruit crops, despite a lack of evidence as to the extent of damage directly attributed to the endangered species. An international team of researchers, including the University of Bristol, that monitored the damage directly caused by the Mauritian flying fox to commercial fruit has found the bat is responsible for only some, and could be managed effectively without the need to cull.The study is published in the journal Oryx.