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Behaviour of bats during a lunar eclipse

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Summary

The hunting activity of tropical bats was observed during a lunar eclipse at night. During the eclipse, the activity was significantly higher than before and after when the bright full moon was visible. The decrease of hunting activity in bright light is interpreted as a direct adaptation to the light conditions, whereas endogenous factors seem not to be involved. The possible role of predators feeding on bats is discussed.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Unit of Animal Behaviour, School of Biological Sciences, Madurai Kamaraj University, 625021, Madurai, India

    K. Usman, R. Subbaraj, G. Gopalkrishnaswamy & K. Paramanandam

  2. Arbeitskreis Neuro-und Rezeptorphysiologie, Zoologisches Institut der Universität, D-6000, Frankfurt, Federal Republic of Germany

    J. Habersetzer

Authors
  1. K. Usman
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  2. J. Habersetzer
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  3. R. Subbaraj
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  4. G. Gopalkrishnaswamy
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  5. K. Paramanandam
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Usman, K., Habersetzer, J., Subbaraj, R. et al. Behaviour of bats during a lunar eclipse. Behav Ecol Sociobiol 7, 79–81 (1980). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00302522

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00302522

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