Photo credit: Rhett A. Butler
The Madagascan Rousette, Rousettus madagascariensis, is listed as ‘NEAR THREATENED’ on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species™. It is the smallest of Madagascar’s three endemic fruit bats, and is widespread across much of the island.
The Madagascan Rousette is commonly hunted at its roosts, and is also sometimes killed as a pest of fruit crops. This bat is regarded as a game species under Malagasy law, and only receives nominal protection where it occurs in nature reserves or roosts at sacred sites. A slow reproductive rate makes the species particularly susceptible to overhunting, while deforestation is likely to present a further threat.
Although the Madagascan Rousette occurs in several protected areas, its roost sites are in need of more effective protection both within and outside of reserves. The local NGO Madagasikara Voakajy is actively conserving the species by engaging communities to increase the level of protection at important cave roosts.
Geographic Range of the Madagascan Rousette
Credit: IUCN Red List of Threatened Species™
To learn more about the Madagascan Rousette, click here. Or visit the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species™ by clicking their logo below.
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