Reproduction of Phylloderma stenops in captivity (Chiroptera, Phyllostomidae)

a reproductive colony of phylloderma stenops was established in captivity. the bats were maintained in 1/2" wired screen cages sized 90 × 60 × 80 cm in a room with cycles of 13 hours of light and 11 hours of dark and with temperature and humidity ranging from 27 to 31 °c and 75 to 90% respectively. bats were fed with a semi-liquid diet composed of chopped fruits, raw eggs, bovine meat, dog food, honey, dehydrated shrimp, salt and a vitamin and mineral complex offered daily. in the first two years of confinement the diet was complemented with laboratory-raised cockroaches, mealworms, young mice and seasonal fruits. nine births occurred from three wild caught females 770-1050 days after capture and two captive-born females. births occurred in september, february and november-december. the neonate measured 15.0 g of weight and present 34.1 mm of forearm length. two captive-born females gave birth for the first time at 402-445 days of age. phylloderma stenops species presents postpartum oestrus, gestation of 5.5 months, lactation of 3.3 months and sexual maturity at 8.0-8.5 months. fetuses are palpable around two months before birth and females may present synchronisation of births.