Lek Mating Behavior in the Hammer-headed Bat

Calling assemblies of Hypsignathus monstrosus were studied for 17 months in the field to determine if they were "leks" or mating arenas. Direct observations, netting of animals at the assembly sites, and radio-tracking of both (m)(m) and (f)(f) at the assembly sites, foraging grounds, and day roosts were all utilized to make this determination. Captive animals were maintained to establish growth rates. It is concluded that Hypsignathus exhibit lek behavior even by the most conservative definition and share many features with other avian and mammalian lek species.