Abundance and Feeding Habits of Bats in Mambilla Plateau, Taraba State, North East Nigeria

This study investigates the abundance and feeding habits of bats in the Mambilla Plateau of Taraba State, located in Nigeria's North East geopolitical zone. Bats are ecologically critical as pollinators, insect regulators, and seed dispersers, yet their ecology in the Nigerian North East highlands is poorly documented. Using a field survey design, bat sampling was conducted over three months using mist nets deployed at seven sites including forest edges, cave entrances, and farmland margins. Captured bats were identified morphologically, weighed, and released after examination. Stomach contents were analysed from 35 opportunistically collected specimens to determine dietary composition. Faecal analysis using microscopy identified arthropod and fruit matter. A total of 14 bat species from six families were recorded, with Pteropodidae the most species-rich family. Eidolon helvum was the most abundant frugivorous species and Hipposideros caffer the most abundant insectivore. Insectivorous species dominated numerically (67% of all captures). Gut content analysis confirmed frugivore species consumed primarily Ficus and Vitex fruits, while insectivores targeted Coleoptera and Lepidoptera. Bat abundance was highest at cave roost sites and declined significantly at active farmland sites. The study identifies roosting habitat destruction and disturbance as the principal threats to bat populations on the Mambilla Plateau and recommends cave site protection and reduction of pesticide use in adjacent farmlands. Keywords: bats, Mambilla Plateau, feeding habits, species diversity, Taraba State.