Comp Biochem Physiol A. 1988 ; 90(1): 117-20.

Haematology and iron status of the Egyptian fruit bat, Rousettus aegyptiacus.

van der Westhuyzen J.

Department of Haematology, School of Pathology, South African Institute for Medical Research, Johannesburg.

1. Haematological values and iron status of wild and captive fruit bats (Rousettus aegyptiacus) were determined. 2. Plasma iron concentrations were 175 micrograms/dl in wild males, and 286-316 micrograms/dl in captive bats. 3. Total splenic stores were small (around 100 micrograms) in relation to hepatic stores (3 mg) and total haem iron (2.6 mg). 4. Haemoglobin levels, red cell counts and haematocrits were unusually high and mean corpuscular volumes low. 5. Lactating wild bats showed no deficits in iron status or in haematological values. 6. It is concluded that the ascorbic acid content of fruit, together with the bats' high food requirement, has ensured an ample iron supply in this vegetarian species.