Postnatal growth and development of thermoregulative ability in the Japanese greater horseshoe bat, Rhinolophus ferrumequinum nippon, related to maternal care

Abstract

The postnatal growth, infant mortality, and development of thermoregulative ability related to maternal nursing behavior in Rhinolophus ferrumequinum nippon were investigated in abandoned mines. Forearm length increased rapidly and attained 90.4% of the adult size at 16-18 days old. Thermoregulative ability also was established by 16-18 days. Pre-weaning mortality averaged 3.6%. Mothers with infants whose thermoregulative ability was insufficient remarkably reduced their feeding time to keep infants warm by embracing them. The intensive investment of maternal labor in maintaining a suitable thermal environment may promote postnatal growth and increase infant survival.