The New Caledonia blossom bat (''Notopteris neocaledonica'') is an uncommon species of

megabat Megabats constitute the family Pteropodidae of the order Chiroptera (bats). They are also called fruit bats, Old World fruit bats, or—especially the genera ''Acerodon'' and ''Pteropus''—flying foxes. They are the only member of the su ...

in the family Pteropodidae. The species lives in caves in northern

New Caledonia ) , anthem = "" , image_map = New Caledonia on the globe (small islands magnified) (Polynesia centered).svg , map_alt = Location of New Caledonia , map_caption = Location of New Caledonia , mapsize = 290px , subdivision_type = Sovereign st ...

, and forms colonies of up to 300.

Habitat

The New Caledonia blossom bat is a cave roosting species that is endemic to New Caledonia and is found in few caves located in Northern Grande Terre. It has on occasion been found in hollow trees, which can provide temporary roosts for the bats but are inadequate to provide for the needs of a large nursing colony. This species is presumed to forage in the tropical moist forest.

Diet

The New Caledonia Blossom Bat is a nectar-feeding bat that forages for food in

montane ecosystems Montane ecosystems are found on the slopes of mountains. The alpine climate in these regions strongly affects the ecosystem because temperatures fall as elevation increases, causing the ecosystem to stratify. This stratification is a crucial f ...

rather than dry forest. It has been observed feeding on coconut flowers near human habitations.

Conservation

The species is classified as

endangered An endangered species is a species that is very likely to become extinct in the near future, either worldwide or in a particular political jurisdiction. Endangered species may be at risk due to factors such as habitat loss, poaching and inva ...

by the

IUCN The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN; officially International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources) is an international organization working in the field of nature conservation and sustainable use of natu ...

. Threats include disturbance at roosting caves and, to a small degree, hunting. Hunting is regulated under wildlife laws. Only one recorded occurrence has been documented originating from Riviére Bleu National Park.

References

{{Taxonbar, from=Q1766180 Notopteris Bats of Oceania Endemic fauna of New Caledonia Mammals of New Caledonia Vulnerable fauna of Oceania Mammals described in 1908 Taxa named by Édouard Louis Trouessart