Keyword: Chiroptera

An approach to the diversity and vertical stratification of the bat assemblage in a tropical rainforest of the Andean Amazonian piedmont, Mocoa, Putumayo, Colombia

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Spatial heterogeneity, especially vertical stratification, is one of the most distinctive features of tropical ecosystems. Although some studies in Colombia have provided evidence on the vertical structure of bat assemblages, none have focused on potentially diverse areas such as the Andean-Amazon piedmont. This study preliminarily analyzes the diversity and vertical stratification of bat assemblages in a tropical rainforest in the Andean-Amazon piedmont. A conglomerate sampling design was established, and six mist nets were set up in the understory and subcanopy (between 10 and 20 m in height) over 18 nights from March to April and June 2022. A total of 181 bats were captured, belonging to 20 species and three families. In the understory, the most abundant species were Myotis nigricans, Carollia perspicillata, and Neoeptesicus cf. orinocensis; the rare species were Hsunycteris thomasi, C. castanea, Nyctinomops cf. laticaudatus, and Artibeus lituratus. In the subcanopy, the most abundant species were Artibeus obscurus, A. lituratus, and Platyrrhinus angustirostris; the rare species were Vampyrodes major and Vampyriscus bidens. Although no differences were observed in species richness or abundance between strata, at the trophic level, nomadic frugivorous bats were more abundant in the subcanopy, while insectivorous bats were found only in the understory. However, it is recommended to increase sampling efforts to strengthen these conclusions and explore the observed trends more thoroughly. Overall, the structure and composition of the assemblage were similar to that of secondary forests undergoing regeneration.

Aproximación a la diversidad y estratificación vertical del ensamblaje de murciélagos en un bosque húmedo tropical del piedemonte andino-amazónico, Mocoa, Putumayo, Colombia. La heterogeneidad espacial, especialmente la estratificación vertical, es una de las características más distintivas de los ecosistemas tropicales. Aunque en Colombia algunos estudios han proporcionado evidencia sobre la estructura vertical de los ensamblajes de murciélagos, ninguno se ha centrado en áreas potencialmente diversas, como el piedemonte andino-amazónico. Este estudio analiza preliminarmente la diversidad y estratificación vertical del ensamblaje de murciélagos en un bosque húmedo tropical del piedemonte andino-amazónico. Se estableció un diseño de muestreo por conglomerados y se instalaron seis redes de niebla en el sotobosque y subdosel (entre 10 y 20 m de altura) durante 18 noches entre marzo y abril, y junio de 2022. En total se capturaron 181 murciélagos asignados a 20 especies y tres familias. En el sotobosque, las especies más abundantes fueron Myotis nigricans, Carollia perspicillata y Neoeptesicus cf. orinocensis; las más raras fueron Hsunycteris thomasi, C. castanea, Nyctinomops cf. laticaudatus y Artibeus lituratus. En el subdosel, las especies más abundantes fueron Artibeus obscurus, A. lituratus y Platyrrhinus angustirostris; las más raras fueron Vampyrodes major y Vampyriscus bidens. Aunque no se observaron diferencias en los valores de riqueza y abundancia entre estratos, a nivel trófico se encontró que los murciélagos frugívoros nómadas fueron más abundantes en el subdosel, mientras que los insectívoros estuvieron solo presentes en el sotobosque. Sin embargo, se recomienda aumentar el esfuerzo de muestreo para robustecer estas conclusiones y explorar con mayor profundidad las tendencias observadas. En general, la estructura y composición del ensamblaje fue similar a la de bosques secundarios en regeneración.

Graphical abstract for the article “An approach to the diversity and vertical stratification of the bat assemblage in a tropical rainforest of the Andean Amazonian piedmont, Mocoa, Putumayo, Colombia” (Franco-Guayazan et al., 2025)

Bat community structure in urban green areas of northeastern Brazil

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The structure of the habitat can influence the bat community, limiting the species to use certain environments. Considering the more tolerant species, these can be found in forest fragments surrounded by urban matrix or heavily wooded places. This study aimed to characterize the bat community in the urban green areas of Greater Aracaju, Sergipe. The campaigns were conducted during two consecutive monthly nights in each area. Bats were captured using 10 mist nets. The abundance, richness, diversity, and composition of bats were characterized for each area. In addition, the models of abundance and sufficiency of the sampling effort were evaluated. We captured 599 individuals, representing 13 species in three families, with an effort of 77.760 m²/h. Secretaria de Estado da Fazenda de Sergipe had the highest value of the diversity index (H’ = 1.78), followed by Universidade Federal de Sergipe (H’ = 1.62) and Vila Militar dos Officiais do Exército (H’ = 1.55), with a difference observed only between the SEFAZ and Vila areas. The observed richness was lower than expected in all areas. Only the UFS and SEFAZ differed in species composition. For urban green areas in the state, Artibeus planirostris and Myotis riparius correspond to the new records. The observed difference in diversity between the SEFAZ and Vila may be associated with the greater evenness of the SEFAZ and the dominance of Artibeus lituratus in Vila. This study provides relevant information on the subject, highlighting the need to obtain a better understanding of this group in urban green environments.

Estrutura da comunidade de morcego em áreas verdes urbanas do nordeste do Brasil. A estrutura do habitat pode influenciar a comunidade de morcegos, limitando a espécie a utilizar determinados ambientes. Considerando as espécies mais tolerantes, estas podem ser encontradas em fragmentos florestais circundados por matriz urbana ou locais fortemente arborizados. Este estudo teve como objetivo caracterizar a comunidade de morcegos nas áreas verdes urbanas da Grande Aracaju, Sergipe. As campanhas foram realizadas durante duas noites mensais consecutivas em cada área. Os morcegos foram capturados com 10 redes de neblina. Para cada área, foram caracterizadas a abundância, riqueza, diversidade e composição de morcegos. Além disso, foram avaliados os modelos de abundância e suficiência do esforço amostral. Foram capturados 599 indivíduos, representando 13 espécies de três famílias, com um esforço de 77,760 m².h. A Secretaria de Estado da Fazenda de Sergipe apresentou o maior índice de diversidade (H’ = 1,78), seguida pela Universidade Federal de Sergipe (H’ = 1,62) e Vila Militar dos Oficiais do Exército (H’ = 1,55), com diferença observada apenas entre as áreas SEFAZ e Vila. A riqueza observada foi menor que a esperada em todas as áreas. Apenas a UFS e a SEFAZ diferiram na composição de espécies. Para as áreas verdes urbanas do estado, Artibeus planirostris e Myotis riparius correspondem aos novos registros. A diferença de diversidade observada entre a SEFAZ e a Vila pode estar associada à maior equitabilidade da SEFAZ e à predominância de Artibeus lituratus na Vila. Este estudo fornece informações relevantes sobre o assunto, destacando a necessidade de se obter um melhor conhecimento desse grupo em ambientes verdes urbanos.

Graphical abstract for the article “Bat community structure in urban green areas of northeastern Brazil” (Santos Bezerra & Bocchiglieri, 2024)

Association between bats (Mammalia: Chiroptera) and bat flies (Streblidae, Hippoboscoidea) from urban fragments of Amazon

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In the Diptera order, there are two families that are obligatory parasites of bats: Streblidae and Nycteribiidae. These flies have a viviparous adenotrophic reproduction cycle and are highly dependent on roost fidelity. Studies investigating parasite-host association patterns for these groups have gained momentum and are important because bats are animals that provide significant ecological services to the environment and are sensitive to habitat alterations, which can influence the parasitism cycle. Despite the great diversity of bat species in the Amazon, little is known about the parasitic association patterns of these groups. Therefore, we aim to expand knowledge about the parasite-host relationships and parasitic indices values between bats and flies, as well as describe the Streblidae and Chiroptera communities in forest remnants within the urban perimeter of the municipality of Altamira, PA. Bats were sampled from three urban fragments within the municipality between August 2018 and July 2019. A total of 465 bat specimens and 629 ectoparasitic flies, all belonging to the Streblidae family, were sampled. Among the found infracommunities, the most frequent was Trichobius dugesioides on Carollia perspicilata, which also had the highest prevalence. There was no difference in infestation intensity values between the collection points, possibly due to similar anthropogenic influences on the environments, resulting in roost infidelity and influencing the specificity results. We found that 65% of the flies were considered nonspecific parasites, while only 25% were considered monoxenous, and Megistopoda proxima was considered oligoxenous for the genus Artibeus.

Associação entre morcegos (Mammalia: Chiroptera) e moscas de morcegos (Streblidae, Hippoboscoidea) de fragmentos urbanos na Amazônia. Na ordem Diptera, existem duas famílias que são parasitas obrigatórios de morcegos: Streblidae e Nycteribiidae. Estas moscas têm um ciclo de reprodução adenotrófico vivíparo e são altamente dependentes da fidelidade ao poleiro. Estudos investigando padrões de associação parasita-hospedeiro para esses grupos ganharam força e são importantes porque os morcegos são animais que prestam serviços ecológicos significativos ao meio ambiente e são sensíveis às alterações do habitat, que podem influenciar o ciclo do parasitismo. Apesar da grande diversidade de espécies de morcegos na Amazônia, pouco se sabe sobre os padrões de associação parasitária desses grupos. Portanto, objetivamos ampliar o conhecimento sobre as relações parasito-hospedeiro e os valores dos índices parasitários entre morcegos e moscas, bem como descrever a comunidade de Streblidae e Chiroptera em remanescentes florestais no perímetro urbano do município de Altamira-PA. Morcegos foram amostrados em três fragmentos urbanos do município, entre agosto de 2018 e julho de 2019. Foram amostrados 465 espécimes de morcegos e 629 moscas ectoparasitas, todas pertencentes à família Streblidae. Dentre as infracomunidades encontradas, a mais frequente foi Trichobius dugesioides em Carollia perspicilata, que também apresentou a maior prevalência. Não houve diferença nos valores de intensidade de infestação entre os pontos de coleta, possivelmente devido a influências antrópicas semelhantes nos ambientes, resultando em infidelidade do poleiro e influenciando nos resultados de especificidade. Constatamos que 65% das moscas foram consideradas parasitos inespecíficos, enquanto apenas 25% foram consideradas monoxenos, e Megistopoda proxima foi considerada oligoxenous para o gênero Artibeus.

Graphical abstract for the article “Association between bats (Mammalia: Chiroptera) and bat flies (Streblidae, Hippoboscoidea) from urban fragments of Amazon” (Bernardi Vieira et al., 2024)

Dominance relationships in Yangochiroptera: a review

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Yangochiroptera is a suborder recognized for having diversified food habits and unique social behavior. Based on a literature review, this study analyzed the inter-specific variation present in their social behavior, with an emphasis on dominance behavior. Harem formation, territoriality, and aggressiveness were shown to be connected to dominance behavior. The polygyny of defense of resources and defense of harem females appeared as mating systems in which the possibility of dominance appears to be greater. However, the small number of references dedicated specifically to this type of behavior makes it difficult to describe the patterns, and more studies focusing on the behavioral ecology of their species are needed.

Relações de dominância em Yangochiropteros: uma revisão. Yangochiroptera é subordem reconhecida por apresentar hábitos diversificados em relação à sua alimentação e também aos seus comportamentos sociais únicos. A partir de uma revisão bibliográfica, este estudo buscou analisar a variação interespecífica no comportamento social desse grupo — com ênfase em comportamentos de dominância. Formação de haréns, territorialidade e agressividade mostraram estar conectados ao comportamento de dominância. Já a poliginia de defesa de recursos e de defesa de fêmeas de harém, apareceram como sistemas de acasalamento nos quais a possibilidade da dominância aparenta ser maior. Contudo, o baixo número de referências voltadas especificamente para este tipo de comportamento dificulta a descrição de padrões, sendo necessários mais estudos focados na ecologia comportamental de suas espécies.

Graphical abstract for the article “Dominance relationships in Yangochiroptera: a review” (Luchesi & Parolin, 2023)

Diversity and seasonal changes of phyllostomid bats assemblages in montane and premontane forests in the Central Peruvian Yungas

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The Yungas of central Peru constitute an ecosystem with an interesting diversity of wildlife species, among which the communities of phyllostomid bats are not yet well known. Phyllostomid bats are considered a good bioindicator, due to their abundance and taxonomic stability. In this study, we provide a better understanding of patterns of phyllostomid assemblages at two elevations and during two seasons in the Central Peruvian Yungas. We sampled phyllostomid bats with ground-level mistnets at one site in the montane forest (the higher elevation) and at one site in the premontane forest (the lower elevation) in Chanchamayo, Junín, during the dry and wet seasons. We captured 297 individuals belonging to 31 phyllostomid species and five guilds. Species richness was higher overall at the premontane site. The species richness and relative abundance at the premontane site were higher in the dry season, while the montane site did not show seasonal differences. Phyllostomid assemblages at the two sites shared four species, while 20 species were captured only at the premontane site, and seven only at the montane site. Further studies are needed to obtain a better understanding of the entire bat community and species with altitudinal movements. We recommend a special focus on aerial insectivores. Our study contributes to a better understanding of phyllostomid bat assemblages and their distribution in the Central Peruvian Yungas. We hope this information will become an important piece of biodiversity information for the region that will lead to improved decision-making. The richness and relative abundance of the bat species recorded in this study as well as the presence of Vampyressa melissa and Gardnerycteris koepckeae, which are categorized by the Peruvian Government as Vulnerable and Critically Endangered, respectively, demonstrate the need for conservation efforts to protect the forest of Chanchamayo, Junín, especially in the montane areas. In addition, the information generated by this study can serve as a baseline for future comparisons to examine possible effects of climate change on species distributions that may force some species to move to higher elevations.

Diversidad y cambios estacionales de ensamblajes de murciélagos filostómidos en bosques montano y premontanos en las Yungas Centrales del Perú. Las Yungas del centro del Perú constituyen un ecosistema con una interesante diversidad de especies de fauna, entre las cuales aún no se conocen bien las comunidades de murciélagos filostómidos, que son considerados como buenos bioindicadores debido a su abundancia y estabilidad taxonómica. En este estudio brindamos una mejor comprensión de los patrones de los ensamblajes de filostómidos en dos elevaciones y durante dos temporadas en las Yungas Centrales en Perú. Muestreamos murciélagos filostómidos con redes de niebla a la altura del suelo en un sitio de bosque montano (elevación más alta) y en un sitio de bosque premontano (elevación más baja) en Chanchamayo, Junín, durante las estaciones seca y húmeda. Hemos capturado 297 individuos que pertenecieron a 31 especies de filostómidos y cinco gremios. La riqueza de especies fue mayor en el bosque premontano en general. La riqueza y la abundancia relativa en el bosque premontano fueron mayores durante la estación seca, mientras que el bosque montano no mostró diferencias estacionales. Los ensamblajes de filostómidos en ambos sitios compartieron cuatro especies, mientras que 20 especies solo fueron capturadas en el bosque premontano y siete solo en el bosque montano. Se necesitan más estudios para obtener una mejor comprensión de toda la comunidad de murciélagos y de los movimientos altitudinales de las especies. Recomendamos un enfoque particular en los insectívoros aéreos. Nuestro estudio contribuye a una mejor comprensión de los ensamblajes de murciélagos filostómidos y su distribución en las Yungas del centro del Perú. Esperamos que esta información se convierta en una pieza importante de información sobre biodiversidad para la región que conduzca a una mejor toma de decisiones. La riqueza y abundancia relativa de las especies de murciélagos registradas en este estudio, así como la presencia de Vampyressa melissa y Gardnerycteris koepckeae, clasificadas por el Gobierno peruano como Vulnerable y En Peligro Crítico, respectivamente, demuestran la necesidad de esfuerzos de conservación para proteger el bosque de Chanchamayo, Junín, especialmente en las zonas montañosas. Además, la información generada por este estudio puede servir como línea de base para futuras comparaciones para examinar los posibles efectos del cambio climático en la distribución de especies, que pueden obligar a algunas especies a trasladarse a elevaciones más altas.

Graphical abstract for the article “Diversity and seasonal changes of phyllostomid bats assemblages in montane and premontane forests in the Central Peruvian Yungas” (Carrasco-Rueda et al., 2022)

Aerial insectivorous bats in the Brazilian Pantanal: diversity and activity patterns in response to habitat and microclimate

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In tropical environments, landscape heterogeneity is a key factor determining species richness gradients, while climatic conditions are commonly related to the occurrence and activity patterns of most animal species. We used acoustic monitoring data to test the influence of microclimate variables and habitat on the activity pattern of aerial insectivorous bats in three distinct environments in northern Pantanal, Brazil—Cambarazal, Murundu field and riparian area. We hypothesized that foraging and feeding activities should be positively related to humidity and temperature; and species composition should differ between habitats. In 30 sampling nights, we obtained 6049 records and identified 16 species and three species complexes distributed in five families. There were no significant differences in species richness between the three habitats, but the riparian area, the most heterogeneous environment sampled, presented the highest levels of foraging and feeding activities. Species composition varied with the sampled habitat, demonstrating that different species use and perceive distinct landscapes in different ways. Only the foraging activity of open-space bats responded to the interaction between relative humidity and different habitat types during the Pantanal’s dry season. Our results, obtained exclusively by acoustic sampling, show that many aerial insectivore species and activity patterns are subsampled in studies done exclusively with mist-nets.

Morcegos insetívoros aéreos no Pantanal brasileiro: diversidade e padrões de atividade em resposta ao habitat e ao microclima. Em ambientes tropicais, a heterogeneidade da paisagem é um fator chave na determinação de gradientes de riqueza de espécies, enquanto as condições climáticas são comumente relacionadas aos padrões de ocorrência e atividade da maioria das espécies animais. Utilizamos dados de monitoramento acústico para testar a influência das variáveis do microclima e do habitat no padrão de atividade de morcegos insetívoros aéreos em três ambientes distintos no norte do Pantanal, Brasil — Cambarazal, campo de Murundu e área ripícola. Nossa hipótese é que as atividades de navegação e forrageamento devem estar positivamente relacionadas à umidade e temperatura; e a composição das espécies deve diferir entre os habitats. Em 30 noites de amostragem, obtivemos 6049 registros e identificamos 16 espécies e três complexos de espécies distribuídas em cinco famílias. Não houve diferenças significativas na riqueza de espécies entre os três habitats, mas a área ripária, o ambiente mais heterogêneo amostrado, apresentou os maiores níveis de atividades de navegação e forrageamento. A composição das espécies variou com o habitat amostrado, demonstrando que diferentes espécies usam e percebem paisagens distintas de maneiras diferentes. Apenas a atividade de navegação dos morcegos de espaço-aberto respondeu à interação entre humidade relativa do ar e os diferentes tipos de habitat durante a estação seca do Pantanal. Nossos resultados, obtidos exclusivamente por amostragem acústica, mostram que muitas espécies de insetívoros aéreos e padrões de atividade são subamostrados em estudos feitos exclusivamente com redes de neblina.

Graphical abstract for the article “Aerial insectivorous bats in the Brazilian Pantanal: diversity and activity patterns in response to habitat and microclimate” (da Costa et al., 2021)

Los análisis de egagrópilas y su impacto en el conocimiento de los micromamíferos de la Patagonia

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Los micromamíferos representan uno de los componentes más importantes de las comunidades de vertebrados terrestres neotropicales. Una metodología muy utilizada para analizar la composición de sus ensambles y los parámetros que los caracterizan (i.e. riqueza, diversidad) es el análisis de egagrópilas de aves rapaces. En Argentina, uno de los pioneros en utilizar esta metodología fue Elio Massoia en la década de 1960. Desde entonces, los trabajos basados en el estudio de egagrópilas para obtener información sobre micromamíferos fueron en aumento. El objetivo de este trabajo es documentar cómo esta metodología cambió nuestro conocimiento sobre los micromamíferos patagónicos. Se revisó la bibliografía publicada sobre análisis de egagrópilas y estudios enfocados en micromamíferos para la Patagonia argentina. El material recuperado de las egagrópilas ha permitido analizar la variabilidad intraespecífica de especies poco representadas en colecciones de museos o difíciles de capturar mediante trampas. Esta herramienta cambió de forma extraordinaria nuestra percepción sobre la biogeografía y distribuciones geográficas de muchas especies patagónicas (e.g. Calomys musculinus, Galea leucoblephara, Graomys griseoflavus, Lestodelphys halli, Loxodontomys micropus, Microcavia australis, Notiomys edwardsii, Paynomys macronyx, Thylamys pallidior). Asimismo, permitió reconsiderar las categorías de conservación de algunas especies que se creían raras y que demostraron solamente estar subrepresentadas en los muestreos tradicionales (i.e. N. edwardsii, L. halli, Euneomys chinchilloides e Irenomys tarsalis). Finalmente, también nos ha permitido reconstruir la estructura de los ensambles y los cambios que han atravesado desde al menos el Pleistoceno Tardío, documentando retracciones regionales, variaciones dramáticas en las frecuencias relativas y cambios en la dominancia de especies en los conjuntos actuales como consecuencia del impacto antrópico. El análisis de egagrópilas de aves rapaces representa una herramienta poderosa, especialmente en áreas extensas que serían difíciles de prospectar mediante otros métodos.

The analysis of owl pellets and their impact on knowledge of micromammals from Patagonia. Micromammals represent one of the most important components of the Neotropical terrestrial vertebrate communities. A widely used methodology to analyze the composition of their assemblages and the parameters that characterize them (i.e., richness, diversity) is the analysis of pellets produced by birds of prey. In Argentina, one of the pioneers in using this methodology was Elio Massoia. From that moment on, the studies based on the study of pellets to obtain information on small mammals were on the rise. The objective of this work is to document how this methodology changed our knowledge about Patagonian micromammals. We reviewed the published bibliography on pellet analysis and studies focused on small mammals for Argentinian Patagonia. The material recovered from pellets has made it possible to analyze the intraspecific variability of species poorly represented in museum collections or diffcult to capture using traps. This tool also dramatically changed our perception of the biogeography and geographical distributions of many Patagonian species (e.g., Calomys musculinus, Galea leucoblephara, Graomys griseoflavus, Lestodelphys halli, Loxodontomys micropus, Microcavia australis, Notiomys edwardsii, Paynomys macronyx, Thylamys pallidior). Likewise, it allowed reconsidering the conservation categories of some species that were believed to be rare (i.e., N. edwardsii, L. halli, Euneomys chinchilloides, and Irenomys tarsalis). Finally, it has also allowed us to reconstruct the structure of the assemblages and the changes on them since at least the Late Pleistocene, documenting regional retractions, dramatic variations in relative frequencies, and changes in the dominance of species in recent assemblages as a consequence of the anthropic impact. Pellet analysis of birds of prey represents a powerful tool, especially in large areas that would be diffcult to survey by other methods.

Drawings and notes by Elio Massoia. Photo collage by Damián Voglino.

A new device for capturing social bats in caves

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The most commonly used tools for capturing bats in caves are mist nets and harp traps. However, for behavioral and ecological studies, these methods are not useful when the aim is to selectively capture focal groups or individual bats. Although some tools have been proposed for this, they have limitations with respect to their weight and the logistics of their use. We present the design of a new device called a “cone trap” that allows targeted captures of specific groups (harems, groups of males and females, nurseries and solitary individuals) of bats in caves.

Un nuevo dispositivo para capturar murciélagos sociales en cuevas. Las herramientas más utilizadas para capturar murciélagos en cuevas son las redes de niebla y las trampas arpa. Sin embargo, para estudios de comportamiento y ecología estos métodos no permiten capturar grupos focales de manera selectiva. Se han propuesto algunas herramientas para capturar grupos de individuos; sin embargo estos tienen limitaciones por su peso y por la logística en su uso. Presentamos el diseño de un nuevo dispositivo que denominamos trampa de cono, que permite capturar de manera dirigida grupos específicos (harenes, grupos de machos y hembras, guarderías, e individuos solitarios) de murciélagos en cuevas.

On the distinction and availability of the new taxa proposed by Agnolin et al. 2019

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Recently, Agnolin et al. (2019) described 14 new species of mammals, including 12 rodents, one bat, and one carnivore, and one new subspecies of rodent. In addition, these authors proposed several other nomenclatorial acts: some nominal forms were removed from synonymies and hypothesized as distinct species, at the time that three new genera, one subtribe, and one tribe of mammals were also named. We reviewed the merits of all nomenclatorial acts proposed by Agnolin at al. (2019) and concluded that all 14 new species and the new subspecies, as well as those forms removed from synonymies, should be treated as synonyms of already known species. We suggest the same regarding the three new supraspecific taxa presented by Agnolin et al., two of which are not available as they fail to comply with the provisions of the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature. We end this contribution criticizing the way that mammal taxonomy was approached by Agnolin et al. (2019).

Sobre la distinción y disponibilidad de los nuevos taxones propuestos por Agnolin et al. 2019. Recientemente, Agnolin et al. (2019) describieron 14 especies nuevas de mamíferos, incluyendo 12 roedores, un murciélago y un carnívoro, y una nueva subespecie de roedor. Además, estos autores propusieron varios otros actos nomenclatoriales: algunas formas nominales se eliminaron de las sinonimias y se hipotetizaron como especies distintas; se nombraron tres nuevos géneros, una subtribu y una tribu de mamíferos. Revisamos todos los actos nomenclatoriales propuestos por Agnolin et al. (2019) y concluimos que las 14 nuevas especies y la nueva subespecie, así como las formas eliminadas de las sinonimias, deben tratarse como sinónimos de especies ya conocidas. Sugerimos lo mismo con respecto a los tres nuevos taxones supraespecíficos presentados por Agnolin et al. (2019), de los cuales dos no están disponibles ya que no cumplen con las disposiciones del Código Internacional de Nomenclatura Zoológica. Terminamos esta contribución criticando la forma en que Agnolin et al. (2019) realizaron su abordaje taxonómico.

Range extension and natural history observations for the smoky bat (Amorphochilus schnablii)

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The narrow Pacific coastal region west of the Andes Mountains in South America is a hotspot of endemism, including at least seven bat species. One of the least known species from this region is Amorphochilus schnablii, a small, thumbless bat in the family Furipteridae (Order Chiroptera). There are few capture records and museum specimens for this species, leaving an incomplete picture of its geographic range and life history traits. Here we present a revised distribution map and demographic data based on captures of A. schnablii from a colony in southwestern Ecuador. This colony is located 30 km farther north than any other known colony and contains twice as many individuals as previously reported colonies. A total of 55 bats were captured in February and September of 2010–2011. Standard measurements were taken from all individuals and adult females were assessed for reproductive condition. By combining these new demographic data with previous records, we examined annual reproductive trends, which suggests a pattern of seasonal monoestry. Parturition appears to be timed to occur just before the onset of the rainy season in December or January, a pattern observed in many other Neotropical insectivorous bats. More captures are needed to better understand the distribution, ecology, and life history of A. schnablii, but given their rareness, survey data are difficult to obtain.

Extensión de rango geográfico y observaciones sobre la historia natural para el murciélago ahumado, Amorphochilus schnablii. La estrecha región costera del Pacífico al oeste de las montañas de los Andes en América del Sur es un punto de acceso al endemismo, que incluye al menos siete especies de murciélagos. Una de las especies menos conocidas de esta región es Amorphochilus schnablii, un pequeño murciélago de la familia Furipteridae (Orden Chiroptera). Hay pocos registros de captura y especímenes de museo para esta especie, lo que deja una imagen incompleta de su rango geográfico y sus rasgos de historia de vida. Aquí presentamos un mapa de distribución revisado y datos demográficos basados en capturas de A. schnablii de una colonia en el suroeste de Ecuador. Esta colonia se ubica 30 km más al norte que cualquier otra colonia conocida y contiene el doble de individuos que las colonias documentadas anteriormente. Un total de 55 murciélagos fueron capturados en febrero y septiembre de 2010–2011. Se tomaron medidas estándar de todos los individuos y se evaluó la condición reproductiva de las hembras adultas. Al combinar estos nuevos datos demográficos con registros previos, examinamos las tendencias reproductivas anuales, lo que sugiere un patrón de monoestasis estacional. El parto parece estar programado para ocurrir justo antes del inicio de la temporada de lluvias en diciembre o enero, un patrón observado en muchos otros murciélagos insectívoros neotropicales. Se necesitan más capturas para comprender mejor la distribución, la ecología y la historia de vida de A. schnablii, pero dada su rareza, los datos de censo son difíciles de obtener.