Results: Honduran White Bat
Published on 03/23/2024
The Honduran white bat (Ectophylla alba), also called the Caribbean white tent-making bat, is a species of bat in the family Phyllostomatidae. It is the only member of the genus Ectophylla. It has distinctive, entirely white fur, which is only found in six of the roughly 1,300 known species of bat. Wikipedia is the primary source for this survey.
QUESTIONS
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1.
1.
Which of these Honduran White Bat characteristics are you aware of?
It constructs "tents" out of understory plant leaves by strategically cutting the leaf ribs with its teeth; it roosts in these tents during the day.
5%
112 votes
It is a specialist frugivore, consuming almost exclusively the fruits of one species of fig.
5%
110 votes
Females can likely become pregnant twice per year, giving birth to one offspring at a time.
3%
68 votes
None
82%
1724 votes
All of the above
7%
144 votes
2.
2.
Before this survey, which of the following Honduran White Bat facts were you familiar with?
It is found in Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and western Panama at elevations from sea level to 700 m (2,300 ft).
5%
100 votes
Due to habitat loss, it is evaluated as near threatened by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
6%
135 votes
Its bright yellow ears, nose-leaf, and lips are a result of carotenoid deposition; the mechanism of this deposition is being researched as a way to understand and combat macular degeneration in humans.
4%
80 votes
None
82%
1720 votes
All of the above
6%
123 votes
3.
3.
The Honduran white bat is one of approximately 22 known species of bats that roost within leaf "tents". They cut the side veins extending out from the midrib of the large leaves of the Heliconia plant causing them to fold down to form a tent. Tents are likely constructed by multiple individuals; females have been observed constructing tents, but it is likely that males do so as well. Before today's survey, have you ever heard about bats that make tents of foliage to roost under?
Yes
10%
200 votes
No
90%
1900 votes
4.
4.
It is a small species, with a head and body length of 37–47 mm (1.5–1.9 in). Individuals weigh only 5–6 g (0.18–0.21 oz). Females have synchronized births, with all births in a colony occurring within the same week. Litter size is one offspring, called a pup. During lactation, mothers will return to their roosts up to six times a night to feed their pups. Pups fledge, or become capable of flight, at 3–4 weeks old. Have you ever seen a Honduran White Bat at a zoo or in the wild before?
Yes
8%
166 votes
No
92%
1934 votes
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