Chemical Composition of Fruits and Leaves Eaten by Short-Nosed Fruit Bat, Cynopterus sphinx

We evaluated organic and macromineral composition of selected fruits and leaves consumed by the short-nosed fruit bat, Cynopterus sphinx in South India. Results of principal components analysis (PCA) comparing soluble carbohydrates, crude protein, and crude fats indicate a higher percentage of protein in leaves and a higher percentage of carbohydrates and lipids in fruits. However, results of a paired t test comparing these organic components indicated no differences between fruits and leaves. Among the fruits analyzed, Musa x paradisiaca had the highest percentage of carbohydrates, and Psidium guajava had the highest percentage of lipids. Leaves of Cassia fistula, Moringa oleifera, coccinia cordifolia, and F. religiosa had the highest percentage of protein. PCA of selected macrominerals (Ca, Na, K, and P) indicate higher levels of Ca in leaves than in fruits. Results of t tests comparing these macrominerals revealed a difference between fruits and leaves for Ca, but not for the other macrominerals. Among the leaves analyzed, Ca was highest in mature leaves of C. fistula and lowest in leaves of F. religiosa. Leaves of M. oleifera and fruits of Achras sapota were highest in sodium. Among fruits analyzed for macrominerals, Ca was highest in F. bengalensis and lowest in Prosopis juliflora, A. sapota, and M. x paradisiaca. Potassium levels were highest in leaves of C. cordifolia and fruit pods of Prosopis juliflora. Phosphorus content was highest in leaves of M. oleifera and fruits of M. x paradisiaca. The relatively high concentrations of protein and calcium in leaves eaten by C. sphinx supports the hypothesis that leaves are important dietary sources for this plant-visiting bat.