Volumen y Número: Nº 2

Uso de dos marcas temporales en dos especies de murciélagos: Myotis chiloensis (Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae) y Tadarida brasiliensis (Chiroptera: Molossidae)

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El uso de marcas inadecuadas en murciélagos ha sido frecuente y la aplicación de marcas no permanentes ha sido escasa. Medimos la permanencia de dos marcas temporales (perforación del patagio y tintura de pelo) en dos especies de murciélagos de pequeño tamaño en la zona mediterránea de Chile central. Ambas marcas presentaron similares resultados en tiempo de duración (40–42 días), aunque la perforación del patagio tuvo mayor duración en una mayor proporción de individuos marcados en ambas especies de murciélagos. Los resultados de nuestro estudio aportan a la identificación de técnicas apropiadas para el monitoreo y seguimiento poblacional de murciélagos.

Temporary marking of two species of bats: Myotis chiloensis (Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae) and Tadarida brasiliensis (Chiroptera: Molossidae). The selection of inappropriate marking methods for bats has been a common issue, and the use of non-permanent tags has been scarce. We measure the permanence of two temporary marks (patagium piercing and hair dyeing) in two species of small bats in the Mediterranean-climate area of central Chile. Both methods exhibited similar maximum duration (40–42 days); however, the patagium perforation lasted longer in a greater proportion of individuals than the hair dyeing for both bat species. Our results contribute to the identification of appropriate techniques for the monitoring and tracking of bat populations.

Graphical abstract for the article “Uso de dos marcas temporales en dos especies de murciélagos: Myotis chiloensis (Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae) y Tadarida brasiliensis (Chiroptera: Molossidae)” (Puelma-Diez et al., 2021)

Estabilidad espacial como predictor de riqueza de mamíferos en islas fluviales de la Orinoquía

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Entre febrero y julio de 2015 se evaluó de manera sistemática la composición del ensamblaje de mamíferos de la isla fluvial Santa Elena, ubicada en la cuenca baja del río Orinoco en el departamento del Vichada, Colombia. Se implementaron métodos de muestreo complementarios que incluyeron parcelas, cámaras trampa, redes de niebla y observaciones ad libitum. Con el objetivo de evaluar el efecto de la estabilidad espacial sobre la distribución de la riqueza de la mastofauna al interior de la isla, se reclasificaron y jerarquizaron imágenes satelitales correspondientes a escenarios de menor y mayor inundación, de acuerdo con la estabilidad espacial en el período de muestreo. Reportamos la presencia de 31 especies de mamíferos en siete órdenes y 14 familias. Considerando que en el departamento se han registrado 118 especies de mamíferos, nuestros resultados corroboran la condición de depauperación en sistemas insulares documentada en estudios análogos. Además, se reportan diferencias significativas en la riqueza de especies de mamíferos entre hábitats en el sistema insular. Estas diferencias estuvieron representadas por una mayor riqueza de especies en los hábitats estables y menos afectados por la inundación, en comparación con aquellos mayormente afectados, que acumularon un menor número de especies, fenómeno denominado aquí «efecto de centro de isla». Finalmente, los resultados sugieren que la repartición espacial de la riqueza de mamíferos al interior de la isla es un proceso selectivo mediado por: a) estabilidad espacial de la isla, y b) capacidad de dispersión y establecimiento de las especies.

Spatial stability as a predictor of mammal richness in fluvial islands of the Orinoco River basin. Between February and July 2015, the composition of mammalian assemblages of the Santa Elena River island, located at the lower basin of the Orinoco River in the department of Vichada, Colombia, was thoroughly assessed. Complementary sampling methods were implemented, including plots, camera traps, mist nets and ad libitum observations. In order to test for the effect of spatial stability on mammalian species distribution within the island, we reclassiffied and scored satellite images of the island, corresponding to scenarios of lower and higher flooding, according to the spatial stability in the sampling period. We report the presence of 31 mammal species in seven orders and 14 families. Considering that 118 mammal species have been recorded in the department, these results corroborate the impoverishment condition of island systems, previously documented in analogous studies. Significant differences are reported in mammal species richness between habitats in the Santa Elena insular system. These differences were represented by higher species richness in stable habitats less affected by flooding, compared to those more affected habitats that accumulated a lower number of species, a phenomenon herein named as “core island effect”. Finally, the results suggest that the spatial distribution of mammalian species richness within the island is a selective process mediated by: a) spatial stability of the island, and b) species dispersal and establishment capability.

Graphical abstract for the article “Estabilidad espacial como predictor de riqueza de mamíferos en islas fluviales de la Orinoquía” (Botero et al., 2021)

Morcegos cavernícolas do carste arenítico do Parque Nacional do Catimbau, Nordeste do Brasil

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A Caatinga do Brasil tem um alto potencial espeleológico e uma rica fauna de morcegos, sendo uma região prioritária para estudos e inventários sobre morcegos cavernícolas. Apresentamos aqui a primeira lista de espécies de morcegos cavernícolas do carste arenítico do Parque Nacional do Catimbau, em Pernambuco, no Nordeste do Brasil. Em 53 cavidades foram registrados 16 táxons e 13 gêneros de morcegos das famílias Phyllostomidae, Mormoopidae, Natalidae, Furipteridae e Emballonuridae. Populações de quatro espécies ameaçadas (Furipterus horrens, Lonchorhina aurita, Xeronycteris vieirai e Natalus macrourus) foram localizadas em oito cavernas, incluindo duas bat caves que abrigam populações excepcionais de morcegos. Lonchophylla inexpectata foi registrada em cavernas pela primeira vez. Tanto o potencial espeleológico quanto a riqueza de espécies locais não foram completamente amostrados, indicando que novas colônias e espécies ainda podem ser registradas na área estudada. Além da contribuição científica, nossos dados podem ser úteis para um futuro Plano de Manejo para o Parque Nacional do Catimbau, e também podem contribuir para algum ordenamento do espeleoturismo na área.

Cave dwelling bats of the sandstone karst of Catimbau National Park, northeast Brazil. The Brazilian Caatinga has a high speleological potential and a rich bat fauna, being a priority region for studies and inventories on cave dwelling-bats. Here, we present the first species’ list of cave dwelling-bats of the sandstone karst of the Catimbau National Park, in Pernambuco, northeastern Brazil. Samplings in 53 caves resulted in 16 taxa and 13 genera of bats of the families Phyllostomidae, Mormoopidae, Natalidae, Furipteridae and Emballonuridae. Populations of four endangered species (Furipterus horrens, Lonchorhina aurita, Xeronycteris vieirai, and Natalus macrourus) were located in eight caves, including two bat caves holding exceptionally large bat populations. Lonchophylla inexpectata was recorded for the first time in caves. Both the local speleological potential and the bat species richness were not completely investigated, pointing out that new colonies and species may still be recorded in the studied area. Besides the scientific contribution, our data can be useful for a future management plan for the Catimbau National Park and can also contribute to set some ordering in the existing speleotourism in the area.

Graphical abstract for the article “Morcegos cavernícolas do carste arenítico do Parque Nacional do Catimbau, Nordeste do Brasil” (Barbosa Leal & Bernard, 2021)

El huillín Lontra provocax en la provincia del Chubut: distribución histórica y situación actual

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La distribución actual del huillín Lontra provocax en la Patagonia continental argentina representa ca. 20% de su distribución histórica, con una única población estable conocida que se encuentra en el suroeste de la cuenca del Río Limay (límite de Neuquén y Río Negro). Aquí reconstruimos la distribución histórica de la especie en la provincia del Chubut en base a bibliografía; además, recopilamos información sobre la presencia potencial y confirmada de la especie e informamos un registro actual para la provincia. Finalmente analizamos estos avistajes con relación a la situación histórica y la importancia para la restauración de las poblaciones de huillín de la provincia del Chubut.

The southern river otter Lontra provocax in the province of Chubut: historical distribution and current situation. The present range of the southern river otter Lontra provocax in Argentinean continental Patagonia represents only c. 20% of its original distribution, with only one known population that is found in the southwestern area of the Río Limay basin (border between Neuquén and Río Negro provinces). Based on bibliography, we reconstruct the historic distribution of the species in Chubut, we compile information on its potential and confirmed presence, and report a new sighting for the province. Finally, we analyze these sightings in relation to the original situation and its relevance for the restoration of the southern river otter populations of Chubut province.

Graphical abstract for the article “El huillín Lontra provocax en la provincia del Chubut: distribución histórica y situación actual” (Fasola et al., 2021)

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)

Ecological aspects of Dasypus pastasae in the Colombian Altillanura, with comments on activity patterns and its identification via camera traps

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The Pastaza greater long-nosed armadillo (Dasypus pastasae) is a recently revalidated species and therefore poorly studied from South America. The natural history of this species is virtually unknown in the wild. Here, we describe ecological aspects of D. pastasae including activity patterns, behavioral notes, endoparasite records, and diet information retrieved from riparian forest populations in the eastern plains of Colombia. Additionally, we point out key morphological traits to differentiate D. pastasae from other congeneric armadillos present in Colombia based on camera trap records.

Aspectos ecológicos de Dasypus pastasae en la altillanura colombiana, con comentarios sobre patrones de actividad e identificación en cámaras trampa. El armadillo espuelón (Dasypus pastasae) es una especie recientemente revalidada y poco estudiada de América del Sur. La historia natural del espuelón es prácticamente desconocida y son muy escasos los datos de esta especie en vida silvestre. El presente trabajo describe diversos aspectos sobre la historia natural de esta especie, incluyendo patrones de actividad, notas sobre su comportamiento, endoparásitos, así como anotaciones sobre su dieta de poblaciones en bosques riparios de los Llanos orientales en Colombia. Además, destacamos aspectos de su morfología, útiles para diferenciar D. pastasae de otros armadillos presentes en Colombia basados en registros de cámaras trampa.

Graphical abstract for the article “Ecological aspects of Dasypus pastasae in the Colombian Altillanura, with comments on activity patterns and its identification via camera traps” (Aya-Cuero et al., 2021)

Nativas versus exóticas: ¿cuánto contribuyen en la dieta del puma Puma concolor en el Parque Nacional Los Glaciares, Patagonia, Argentina?

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El puma se encuentra actualmente entre los carnívoros más conflictivos de Argentina debido a la depredación de animales domésticos. Su dieta ha sido estudiada en Patagonia, encontrándose un consumo, principalmente, de especies exóticas y nativas. El objetivo de este trabajo fue caracterizar la dieta del puma en el Parque Nacional Los Glaciares (PNLG), provincia de Santa Cruz. Se realizaron recorridas por los principales senderos del PNLG durante los años 2004–2006, donde se colectaron 68 heces de puma. Para determinar los ítem-presa se utilizaron pelos, mandíbulas, maxilares, dientes y plumas encontrados en las heces y se calculó la frecuencia de ocurrencia (FOi) y la biomasa consumida (BC). Se identificaron 19 especies de mamíferos: 14 nativos, cuatro domésticos y uno exótico. Los valores más altos de FOi fueron para la liebre (95.58 %) y el piche (57.37 %), seguido por el caballo (33.82 %). Las especies que más aportaron a la BC fueron la liebre (valores entre 23.68 % y 22.79 %), el caballo (valores entre 21.65 % y 17.97 %) y la oveja (valores entre 16.08 % y 17.12 %). Estos resultados para el PNLG indicarían una tendencia al consumo de especies exóticas y domésticas por sobre las especies nativas. Las especies domésticas serían consumidas por este felino fuera del parque. Futuros estudios deberían orientarse a aumentar el conocimiento sobre la dieta del puma dentro y fuera del PNLG, y a estudiar la disponibilidad de presas nativas para generar información que favorezca la coexistencia entre los productores y los carnívoros.

Native versus exotic: how much do they contribute to the diet of the puma Puma concolor in Los Glaciares National Park, Patagonia, Argentina? The cougar is currently among the most conflictive carnivores in Argentina due to the predation of domestic animals. Their diet has been studied in Patagonia, finding a consumption mainly of exotic and native species. The objective of this work was to characterize the cougar’s diet in Los Glaciares National Park (LGNP), Santa Cruz province. Tours of the main trails of the LGNP were carried out during the years 2004–2006, where 68 cougar feces were collected. To determine the prey items, hairs, mandible, jaws, teeth and feathers found in the feces were used, and the frequency of occurrence (FOi) and the biomass consumed (BC) were calculated. Nineteen mammal species were identified: 14 native, 4 domestic and 1 exotic. The highest FOi values were for the hare (95.58 %) and the piche (57.37 %), followed by the horse (33.82 %). The species that contributed the most to the BC were the hare (values between 23.68 % and 22.79 %), the horse (values between 21.65 % and 17.97 %) and the sheep (values between 16.08 % and 17.12 %). These results for LGNP show a trend towards the consumption of exotic and domestic species over native species. The domestic species would be consumed by this feline outside the park. Future studies should focus on increasing the knowledge of the diet of the puma inside and outside of PNLG and in the study of native prey availability, to generate information to promote coexistence between ranchers and carnivores.

Graphical abstract for the article “Nativas versus exóticas: ¿cuánto contribuyen en la dieta del puma Puma concolor en el Parque Nacional Los Glaciares, Patagonia, Argentina?” (Bartolucci et al., 2021)