Volumen y Número: Nº 2

A diversidade de pequenos mamíferos do Boqueirão da Onça, na Caatinga do Estado da Bahia, revelada pela maior caverna do Brasil, a Toca da Boa Vista

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Cavernas são cavidades naturais subterrâneas formadas pela ação da água propícias ao acúmulo de restos de vertebrados. Na Caatinga do Estado da Bahia, a Toca da Boa Vista (TBV) destaca-se como a maior caverna do Brasil, localizada numa região coberta por floresta estacional, campos rupestres e áreas antropizadas, conhecida como Boqueirão da Onça. No presente estudo foram analisados materiais craniomandibulares e dentes de pequenos mamíferos coletados sobre o piso da TBV provenientes, em sua maior parte, das pelotas da coruja suindara (Tyto furcata). Foram registradas 31 espécies, incluindo sete de Didelphimorphia (Didelphidae), 14 de Rodentia (Caviidae, Echimyidae, Cricetidae e Muridae) e 10 de Chiroptera (Furipteridae, Natalidae, Phyllostomidae e Vespertilionidae). Todas essas espécies têm ocorrência conhecida para a Caatinga. A distribuição de Holochilus oxe é ampliada para o Estado da Bahia. Foram identificadas espécies ameaçadas (e.g., Thylamys karimii, Kerodon rupestris e Furipterus horrens), restritas aos limites do bioma ou a áreas de transição (Marmosops incanus e Pseudoryzomys simplex) e de hábitos florestais (e.g., Marmosa demerarae e Rhipidomys cariri). A ocorrência dessas espécies de pequenos mamíferos refletem os ambientes conservados na região do Boqueirão da Onça. Por outro lado, a presença de Mus musculus e Rattus rattus está relacionada aos ambientes antropizados próximos da TBV. Esses dados corroboram a relevância das cavernas como fonte de material para estudos sobre pequenos mamíferos e ampliam o conhecimento sobre a fauna da região do Boqueirão da Onça, uma das áreas mais representativas da Caatinga.

Small mammal diversity of the Boqueirão da Onça, Caatinga in the State of Bahia, revealed in Brazil’s largest cave, Toca da Boa Vista. Caves are natural underground cavities eroded by water, where vertebrates remains accumulated. Toca da Boa Vista (TBV) in the State of Bahia has importance as the largest cave in the country and is located in Boqueirão da Onça, a region covered by seasonal forest, rocky fields, and anthropized areas. We conducted an analysis of craniomandibular and dental material of small mammals collected on the surface of this cave, deposited for the most part by the owl Tyto furcata. Thirty-one species of small mammals were recorded, including seven Didelphimorphia (Didelphidae), 14 Rodentia (Caviidae, Echimyidae, Cricetidae, and Muridae), and 10 Chiroptera (Furipteridae, Natalidae, Phyllostomidae, and Vespertilionidae). All these species are known from the Caatinga. The distribution of Holochilus oxe is confirmed for Bahia. The sample includes threatened species (e.g., Thylamys karimii, Kerodon rupestris, and Furipterus horrens), restricted to bioma limits or to transitional areas (Marmosops incanus and Pseudoryzomys simplex), and ones of forest habits (e.g., Marmosa demerarae and Rhipidomys cariri). These species reflect the environments conserved within Boqueirão da Onça. On the other hand, the presence of Mus musculus and Rattus rattus is related to anthropized areas near TBV. These data support the importance of caves as a source of material for small mammals’ studies and increase the knowledge of the fauna of Boqueirão da Onça, one of the most representative areas of the Caatinga.

Graphical abstract for the article “A diversidade de pequenos mamíferos do Boqueirão da Onça, na Caatinga do Estado da Bahia, revelada pela maior caverna do Brasil, a Toca da Boa Vista” (Cherem et al., 2022)

Daily activity patterns in free-living tuco-tucos (Rodentia: Ctenomyidae) from Anillaco, La Rioja province, Argentina

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Daily activity patterns are a fundamental component of a species’ biology and have implications for numerous elements of organismal function. Because these patterns may be affected by environmental conditions, the setting in which activity data are collected is critical. Although the daily activity patterns of the Velasco tuco-tuco (Ctenomys famosus) have been studied extensively in the laboratory and in semi-natural enclosures, no information on activity is available for free-living members of this species. To characterize activity by these subterranean rodents in their natural environment, we used radiotelemetry to record the locations of 17 adults at hourly intervals for 72 consecutive hours. These data revealed a tendency for members of the study population to be diurnal, with individuals changing locations more often, traveling farther between radio fixes, using larger areas, and spending less time in putative nests during daylight hours. Diurnality index values calculated for these animals also suggested greater daytime activity. Although diurnal behavior has been reported for free-living populations of several other ctenomyid species monitored by radiotelemetry, the strength of this tendency appears to vary, raising interesting questions about the factors that determine daily activity patterns in the genus Ctenomys.

Patrón de actividad diaria en tuco-tucos de vida libre (Rodentia: Ctenomyidae), de Anillaco, provincia de La Rioja, Argentina. Los patrones diarios de actividad son un componente fundamental de la biología de una especie, que tienen implicancias en numerosos elementos de la función del organismo. Debido a que esos patrones pueden verse afectados por las condiciones ambientales, el entorno en el cual se toman los datos de la actividad resulta crucial. Aunque los patrones de actividad diaria del tuco-tuco del Velasco (Ctenomys famosus) han sido estudiados ampliamente en laboratorio y recintos seminaturales, no hay información disponible sobre la actividad en libertad para los miembros de esta especie. Con el objetivo de caracterizar el patrón de actividad de estos roedores subterráneos en su entorno natural, utilizamos radiotelemetría para registrar las ubicaciones de 17 adultos a intervalos de una hora durante 72 horas consecutivas. Estos datos revelaron una tendencia de los miembros de la población de estudio a ser diurnos, con individuos que cambian de ubicación con más frecuencia, se mueven una mayor distancia entre puntos fijos, utilizan áreas más grandes y pasan menos tiempo en sus nidos durante la fase clara del día. A su vez, los valores del índice de diurnalidad también han sugerido una mayor actividad diurna. Aunque se ha descrito el comportamiento diurno de las poblaciones de vida libre de otras especies de ctenómyidos monitoreadas mediante radiotelemetría, esta tendencia parece variar, lo que genera interesantes preguntas sobre los factores que afectan a los ritmos diarios de actividad en el género Ctenomys.

Graphical abstract for the article “Daily activity patterns in free-living tuco-tucos (Rodentia: Ctenomyidae) from Anillaco, La Rioja province, Argentina” (Amaya et al., 2022)

Linear camera trapping design for jaguar population surveys in the largest forest remnant of the Paraguayan Chaco

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The jaguar (Panthera onca) is of great concern throughout its entire range due to the decline of its populations and the loss of its natural habitats, which is why protected areas, like the Defensores del Chaco National Park in Paraguay, play such an important role in the conservation of this feline. However, the dense vegetation of the Chacoan dry forest can make it difficult to conduct studies beyond existing road networks to learn about wild populations. In this study, we propose a method for calculating jaguar density estimations based on a linear distribution of camera trap stations, considering the limitations of this approach given the standard assumptions of capture-recapture models. We obtained an initial density estimate of 1.14 (0.35–3.8) jaguars/100 km², in addition to recording 14 potential jaguar prey species; of which, Dolichotis salinicola, Sylvilagus brasiliensis, and Mazama gouazoubira were the most abundant.

Diseño lineal para estudios poblacionales del jaguar. El jaguar o yaguareté (Panthera onca) es motivo de preocupación en su área de distribución debido a la disminución de sus poblaciones y a la pérdida de sus hábitats naturales; por ello, las áreas protegidas, como el Parque Nacional Defensores del Chaco en Paraguay, cumplen un papel preponderante en la conservación de estos felinos. Sin embargo, la poca accesibilidad al bosque seco chaqueño dificulta los estudios fuera de los caminos ya establecidos para conocer las poblaciones silvestres. En este estudio proponemos una metodología para la estimación de la densidad de los jaguares basada en una distribución lineal de las estaciones de trampas cámara, siendo conscientes de las limitaciones que tiene este tipo de distribución y considerando los supuestos de los modelos de captura y recaptura. Obtuvimos una densidad inicial estimada de 1.14 (0.35–3.8) individuos/100 km², además de registrar 14 especies presa potenciales del jaguar, entre las cuales Dolichotis salinicola, Sylvilagus brasiliensis y Mazama gouazoubira son las más abundantes.

Graphical abstract for the article “Linear camera trapping design for jaguar population surveys in the largest forest remnant of the Paraguayan Chaco” (Villalba et al., 2022)

Food habits of the ocelot (Leopardus pardalis) in a lowland Atlantic Forest of southeastern Brazil

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The ocelot (Leopardus pardalis) has a diverse diet and contributes to the control of animal populations at intermediate trophic levels, acting as an effcient mesopredator. Here, we characterized the diet of L. pardalis in a remnant of lowland Atlantic Forest of southeastern Brazil, determining the species and the main prey items consumed (those with a percentage of occurrence [PO] ≥ 5%), as well as its trophic specialization. We characterized L. pardalis diet using 30 fecal samples collected in the Vale Natural Reserve (Linhares/ES), between October 2014 and September 2016. Forty-nine food items were identified and distributed into 14 taxa, half of which were recognized as main prey (Cuniculus paca, Dasypus spp., Didelphis aurita, Mazama spp., Nasua nasua, Salvator merianae, and Sapajus robustus; 81.6% of the consumed items). Mammals were the most consumed (PO = 83.7%), followed by Reptilia (12.2%) and Aves (4.1%). Medium-sized prey (1–15 kg) were the most representative (PO = 84.9%), followed by large (> 15 kg; 10.9%) and small prey (< 1 kg; 4.3%). The diet was generalist when considering the consumption of individual prey (niche breadth = 0.641), but specialized in mammals (0.197) and medium-sized prey (0.181). High consumption of medium-sized mammals represents a foraging optimization strategy, as this prey type may be more energetically profitable for L. pardalis. The importance of some prey changed over time, suggesting temporal variation in the diet of this predator. We provided new information about the diet of the species, including the consumption of large prey (brocket deer of the genus Mazama). The local maintenance of a wide variety of prey may contribute to the conservation of this population over time.

Hábitos alimentarios del ocelote (Leopardus pardalis) en el Bosque Atlántico del sureste de Brasil. El ocelote (Leopardus pardalis) tiene una dieta diversa, que contribuye al control de las poblaciones animales de niveles tróficos intermedios y es un mesodepredador eficiente. Caracterizamos la dieta de L. pardalis en un remanente de Bosque Atlántico del sureste de Brasil para determinar las especies consumidas, sus principales presas (aquellas con un porcentaje de ocurrencia [PO] ≥ 5%) y la especialización trófica a partir de 30 muestras fecales recolectadas en la Reserva Natural Vale (Linhares/ES), entre octubre de 2014 y septiembre de 2016. Se identificaron 49 ítems distribuidos en 14 taxones, la mitad de los cuales fueron presas principales (Cuniculus paca, Dasypus spp., Didelphis aurita, Mazama spp., Nasua nasua, Salvator merianae y Sapajus robustus; 81.6% de los ítems consumidos). Los mamíferos fueron las presas más consumidas (PO = 83.7%), seguido de Reptilia (12.2%) y Aves (4.1%). Las presas medianas (1–15 kg) fueron las más representativas (PO = 84.9%) y presentes en todas las muestras, seguidas de las presas grandes (> 15 kg; 10.9%) y las pequeñas (< 1 kg; 4.3%). La dieta fue generalista en el consumo de presas individuales (amplitud de nicho = 0.641), pero especializada en mamíferos (0.197) y presas medianas (0.181). El alto consumo de mamíferos medianos puede estar relacionado con el hecho de que pueden ser más energéticos para L. pardalis. Algunas presas cambiaron su importancia a lo largo del tiempo, lo que sugiere una variación temporal en la dieta. Proporcionamos nueva información sobre la dieta de la especie, que incluye el consumo de presas grandes (cérvidos del género Mazama). El mantenimiento local de una amplia variedad de presas puede contribuir a la conservación de esta población a lo largo del tiempo.

Graphical abstract for the article “Food habits of the ocelot (Leopardus pardalis) in a lowland Atlantic Forest of southeastern Brazil” (dos Santos et al., 2022)

Bats from Alagoas state, northeastern Brazil: updated checklist based on literature, collections, and acoustic records

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The state of Alagoas in northeastern Brazil includes areas of the Caatinga and Atlantic Forest biomes. Research on the bat fauna of Alagoas is still incipient compared to the neighboring states of Rio Grande do Norte, Paraíba, and Pernambuco, and the diversity and ecology of the state’s bats are still practically unknown. In the present study, we provide a updated checklist of bat species from Alagoas state, collecting localities, and compared the bat species richness with that recorded in other regions to increase the available knowledge on the fauna of the state. For this purpose, we made a comprehensive compilation of previous studies and reviewed the material (e.g., skins, skulls, and humid specimens) deposited in the scientific collections of federal universities and museums. We also conducted acoustic sampling in the municipalities of Piranhas, Olho d’Água do Casado, Arapiraca, and Japaratinga. We recorded a total of 66 species belonging to 40 generaand eight families in Alagoas. Twelve species were recorded for the first time in the state, eight of which wereconfirmed from scientific collections and four by acoustic sampling. This represents an increase of 13 species for the Caatinga of Alagoas compared to published data. The records are distributed in 60 localities, most of which are in the Atlantic Forest region, in 31 of the 102 municipalities of the state. The most diverse family is Phyllostomidae (38 species), followed by Molossidae (10 species), Vespertilionidae (6 species), Emballonuridae (6 species), Mormoopidae (2 species), Noctilionidae (2 species), Natalidae (1 species), and Thyropteridae (1 species). Although not confirmed in this study, records of Furipteridae from neighboring regions suggest that this family may also occur in natural cavities of karstic zones of Alagoas. This state represents only 0.32% of the territorial area of Brazil, but hosts 36.26% of the bat species recognized in the country. The increase in the known species richness of Chiroptera in Alagoas presented here highlights the importance of analyzing scientific collections and the use of acoustic methods to obtain the most comprehensive inventory of the bat fauna of a given area. Based on these results, we recommend potential lines of research to ensure a more comprehensive sampling of bat fauna of the Brazilian state of Alagoas, particularly, in the Caatinga biome.

Morcegos do estado de Alagoas, Nordeste do Brasil: lista atualizada baseada em literatura, coleções e registros bioacústicos. O estado de Alagoas no Nordeste do Brasil inclui áreas dos biomas Caatinga e Mata Atlântica. Pesquisas sobre a fauna de morcegos de Alagoas são ainda incipientes comaparadas aos estados vizinhos do Rio Grande do Norte, Paraíba e Pernambuco, e a diversidade e ecologia dos morcegos do estado são ainda praticamente desconhecidas. No presente estudo, fornecemos um checklist atualizado das espécies de morcegos do estado de Alagoas, localidades de coleta, e comparamos a riqueza de espécies com aquelas registradas em outras regiões para aumentar o conhecimento disponível sobre a fauna do estado. Para este fim, fizemos uma compilação abrangente de estudos anteriores e revimos o material (e.g., peles, crânios e espécimes úmidos) depositado nas coleções científicas de universidades federais e museus. Foram realizadas amostragens acústicas nos municípios de Piranhas, Olho d’Água do Casado, Arapiraca e Japaratinga. Registramos um total de 66 espécies pertencentes a 40 gêneros e oito famílias em Alagoas. Doze espécies foram registradas pela primeira vez no estado, oito das quais foram confirmadas a partir de coleções científicas e quatro por amostragens acústicas. Isso representa um aumento de treze espécies para a Caatinga no estado de Alagoas, em comparação com os dados publicados. Os registros estão distribuídos em 60 localidades, a maioria das quais na região da Mata Atlântica, em 31 dos 102 municípios do estado. A família mais diversa é Phyllostomidae (38 species), seguida por Molossidae (10 species), Vespertilionidae (6 species), Emballonuridae (6 species), Mormoopidae (2 species), Noctilionidae (2 species), Natalidae (1 species), e Thyropteridae (1 species). Embora não confirmado neste estudo, registros de Furipteridae em regiões vizinhas sugerem que essa família deve também ocorrer em cavidades naturais de zonas cársticas de Alagoas. O estado representa apenas 0,32% da área territorial do Brazil, mas abriga 36,26% das espécies de morcegos reconhecidas no país. O aumento da riqueza de espécies conhecidas de Chiroptera em Alagoas aqui apresentado destaca a importância de análisar coleções científicas e utilização de métodos acústicos para obter o inventário mais completo da fauna de morcegos de uma determinada área. Com base nestes resultados, recomendamos potenciais linhas de investigação para assegurar uma amostragem mais abrangente da fauna de morcegos do estado brasileiro de Alagoas, particularmente, no bioma Caatinga.

Graphical abstract for the article “Bats from Alagoas state, northeastern Brazil: updated checklist based on literature, collections, and acoustic records” (Silva Barbosa Leal et al., 2022)

Mammals from a Pampa and Atlantic Forest ecotone in south Brazil

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Ecotones generally present high diversity because they unite fauna that is characteristic of different biomes in a single location. Here, we inventoried medium and large-sized mammals at three sites (from 83 to 342 ha of native vegetation) in an ecotone between Atlantic Forest and Pampa in the central region of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, using complementary methods (camera trapping and active search). Between July 2017 and June 2018, we recorded 22 native mammals from seven orders and 15 families, representing 46.8% of the species expected to occur in the region (N = 47). Eight species are threatened in Rio Grande do Sul, four in Brazil, and one globally. We also detected two exotic species (Sus scrofa and Lepus europaeus) and one domestic (Canis familiaris). The most recorded species were Cerdocyon thous, Mazama gouazoubira, and Dasypus novemcinctus, which accounted for 61% of all detections. Species richness varied between 6 and 14 species among sampling sites, showing low similarity in species composition between pairs of sites (from 4 to 13%), with only two species (C. thous and Procyon cancrivorus) in common. Comparing our assemblages with others throughout the Atlantic Forest and Pampa of Rio Grande do Sul, we observed that small remnants of native vegetation still support the presence of regionally threatened species. Thus, despite anthropogenic pressures present at our study sites, such as poaching and roadkill, small remnants of native vegetation safeguard important mammal species and play an essential role in the long-term survival of the mammalian fauna.

Mamíferos de um ecótono entre o Pampa e a Mata Atlântica no Sul do Brasil. Ecótonos geralmente apresentam alta diversidade porque unem a fauna de biomas com diferentes características em um único local. Nesse estudo, utilizando métodos complementares (armadilhamento fotográfico e busca ativa), inventariamos mamíferos de médio e grande porte em três áreas (de 83 a 342 ha de vegetação nativa) em um ecótono entre a Mata Atlântica e o Pampa no Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. Entre julho de 2017 e junho de 2018, registramos 22 espécies nativas de mamíferos pertencentes a sete ordens e 15 famílias, representando 46,8% de todas as espécies esperadas para ocorrerem na região (N = 47). Oito espécies estão ameaçadas no Rio Grande do Sul, quatro no Brasil, e uma mundialmente. Foram registradas também duas espécies exóticas (Sus scrofa e Lepus europaeus) e uma doméstica (Canis familiaris). As espécies mais frequentes foram Cerdocyon thous, Mazama gouazoubira e Dasypus novemcinctus, compreendendo 61% de todos os registros. A riqueza de espécies entre as áreas variou de 6 a 14, com pouca similaridade na composição entre os pares de áreas (de 4 a 13%), com apenas duas comuns entre elas (C. thous e Procyon cancrivorus). Comparando as assembleias estudadas a outras na Mata Atlântica e Pampa do Rio Grande do Sul, observamos que os pequenos remanescentes de vegetação nativa ainda possuem espécies ameaçadas de extinção no estado. Portanto, apesar das constantes pressões antrópicas detectadas nas áreas estudadas (caça e atropelamentos), os pequenos remanescentes de vegetação abrigam importantes espécies de mamíferos, e desempenham um papel essencial para a sobrevivência da mastofauna em longo prazo.

Graphical abstract for the article “Mammals from a Pampa and Atlantic Forest ecotone in south Brazil” (Magioli & Maffei, 2022)

Variación estacional de la morfología del ala y la masa corporal de la colonia de Tadarida brasiliensis (Chiroptera: Molossidae), en su refugio más sureño de México

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Se considera que la Cueva San Francisco (CSF) en Chiapas, México, es un refugio de invierno para murciélagos migratorios de larga distancia de Tadarida brasiliensis. El tamaño y la composición de la colonia fluctúan de manera estacional probablemente debido a desplazamientos locales, de dispersión o migratorios, que podrían dar lugar a una variación en la morfología del ala de la colonia de T. brasiliensis. La variación morfológica alar de machos y hembras se estimó con base en la longitud del antebrazo y del tercer y quinto dedo del ala de murciélagos adultos, así como en la variación de la masa corporal de machos de T. brasiliensis de la CSF. Los objetivos específicos fueron: (i) estimar si la morfología del ala de la colonia de T. brasiliensis varía estacionalmente (primavera, verano, otoño e invierno); (ii) determinar si la morfología del ala de la colonia se relaciona con el sexo; y (iii) evaluar si la masa corporal de los machos varía estacionalmente. Se realizaron capturas mensuales de marzo de 2018 a noviembre de 2019, y se midieron el ala de 1 580 individuos adultos y la masa corporal de 716 machos. Se observó variación morfológica estacional del ala y diferencias entre sexos. Asimismo, se registró una variación estacional de la masa corporal en machos. Se discute la posible asociación de la variación morfológica del ala con el tipo de desplazamiento que los individuos podrían realizar con mayor frecuencia, y de la variación de la masa corporal de los machos con la disponibilidad de alimento y su estado reproductivo.

Seasonal variation of the wing morphology and the body mass of the colony of Tadarida brasiliensis (Chiroptera: Molossidae), in its southernest refuge in Mexico. Cueva San Francisco (CSF) in Chiapas, Mexico, is considered a winter refuge for long-distance migratory bats of the species Tadarida brasiliensis. The size and composition of the colony varies seasonally likely due to local, dispersal, or migratory movements, which could result in variation in the wing morphology of the colony of T. brasiliensis. Wing morphological variation of males and females was estimated based on the length of the forearm and third and fifth fingers of the wing of adult bats, and variation in body mass of males of T. brasiliensis of the CSF. The specific objectives were: (i) to estimate if the wing morphology of the colony of T. brasiliensis varies seasonally (spring, summer, autumn, and winter); (ii) to determine if the wing morphology of the colony is related to sex, and (iii) to evaluate if the body mass of males varies seasonally. Monthly captures were conducted from March 2018 to November 2019, and the wings of 1580 adult individuals and body mass of 716 males were measured. Seasonal morphological variation and differences in wings between sexes were observed. Likewise, seasonal variation in body mass was recorded in males. The possible association of the morphological variation of wings and the type of movement that individuals can perform more frequently, and the variation of body mass of males with food availability and their reproductive status is discussed.

Graphical abstract for the article “Variación estacional de la morfología del ala y la masa corporal de la colonia de Tadarida brasiliensis (Chiroptera: Molossidae), en su refugio más sureño de México” (Llaven-Macías et al., 2022)

Confirmación de la presencia de la chinchilla de cola corta (Chinchilla chinchilla) en la Argentina

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La chinchilla de cola corta (Chinchilla chinchilla) es una especie «en peligro» no solo en la Argentina sino también a nivel global, como consecuencia de la encarnizada persecución que, durante el siglo pasado, ha sufrido debido a su piel. En la Argentina, la presencia reciente de poblaciones estuvo basada en restos de dos ejemplares colectados en heces de zorro y egagrópilas en 2001 y 2005. Aquí, informamos evidencia de la presencia de la chinchilla de cola corta en dos sitios de la cordillera andina occidental de la provincia de Salta, sobre la base de fotografías de cámaras trampa y análisis genéticos de las heces. Las poblaciones encontradas se encuentran en un área que está experimentando un desarrollo minero sin precedentes, por lo que urgen medidas para conservar efectivamente las chinchillas y los roquedales que estas habitan.

Confirmation of short-tailed chinchilla (Chinchilla chinchilla) for Argentina. The short-tailed chinchilla (Chinchilla chinchilla) is a species classified as “endangered” both globally and in Argentina, due to overhunting for its fur during the past century. Its recent presence in Argentina was based on remains found in fox scats and an owl pellet in 2001 and 2005. Here, we report new evidence based on camera traps and fecal genetics confirming the presence of short-tailed chinchillas at two sites in the western Andes of Salta province. The populations we found are located in an area that is experiencing an unprecedented expansion of large-scale mining, calling for urgent action to protect chinchillas and their threatened habitat.

Graphical abstract for the article “Confirmación de la presencia de la chinchilla de cola corta (Chinchilla chinchilla) en la Argentina” (Pietrek et al., 2022)

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)