Health assessment of the Christmas Island flying fox (Pteropus melanotus natalis)

J Wildl Dis. 2014 Jul;50(3):447-58. doi: 10.7589/2013-09-245. Epub 2014 May 7.

Abstract

During July-August 2010, 28 Christmas Island flying foxes (Pteropus melanotus natalis) were captured and anesthetized for examination, sample collection, and release to determine the potential role of disease in recent population declines. Measurements and samples were taken for morphologic, hematologic, biochemical, and parasitologic analysis. These are the first blood reference ranges reported for this species. These data are being used to inform investigations into conservation status and population management strategies for the Christmas Island flying fox.

Keywords: Christmas Island flying fox; Pteropus melanotus natalis; hematology; morphologic; plasma biochemistry.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Australia / epidemiology
  • Blood Cell Count / veterinary
  • Blood Chemical Analysis / veterinary*
  • Chiroptera / blood*
  • Chiroptera / microbiology
  • Chiroptera / parasitology
  • Feces / parasitology
  • Female
  • Male
  • Parasitic Diseases, Animal / blood
  • Parasitic Diseases, Animal / epidemiology
  • Parasitic Diseases, Animal / parasitology
  • Reference Values