Apparent Male Defense of Tree Hollows in the Fruit Bat, Artibeus jamaicensis

In the forests of central Panama and western Mexico, Artibeus jamaicensis roost during the day in foliage and inside hollow trees. Foliage roosts were generally occupied by solitary males or groups of 2 to 3 male and juvenile bats. Hole roosts contained 4 to 11 females, their young, and invariably a single adult male. The composition of day roosting groups suggests a harem mating organization based on male defense of hole roosts used by females.