Phyllostomid bats distribution and richness gradient in a subtropical Brazilian state

Phyllostomid bats (Chiroptera: Phyllostomidae) are key elements for the maintenance of New World forests, but little information on their distribution is available in some regions of Brazil. Here we use occurrence records and bioclimatic variables to model the distribution of phyllostomid bats in Santa Catarina, a subtropical Brazilian state. Estimates of geographic variation in species richness were then obtained by stacking the generated maps. Lastly, we tested how associated species richness is to ecoregions and Protected Areas. Our results suggest that the phyllostomid bats species richness is closely linked to the regions climate gradient. Most species are restricted to the Serra do Mar ecoregion, where the temperature is high and varies less throughout the year. In contrast, the colder areas seem to house extremely simple communities, composed of a subset of the species present in the warmer areas. We found significant evidence that Protected Areas in Santa Catarina play an important role in the conservation of species, although there are still several places where species richness is high, but no Protected Area is available. The creation of new Protected Areas in these places can boost the species conservation, and, consequently, the ecological services provided by phyllostomid bats.(AU)

Bat species composition associated with restinga lagoons from the Paulo César Vinha State Park, Espírito Santo, Brazil

Restingas are coastal ecosystems associated with the Atlantic Forest. They are threatened by habitat degradation and forest fragmentation due to intense human occupation. Many restingas have coastal lagoons formed by bay sedimentation of bays, the presence of river estuaries, or emerging groundwater. The distance between lagoons and the ocean influences the biotic community in them. This study aimed to compare the diversity (composition, abundance and richness) of bat communities associated with three lagoons within the Paulo Cesar Vinha State Park, Espírito Santo state. Two lagoons (‘Feia and ‘Vermelha lagoons) are 2 km away from the ocean, while the third (‘Caraís lagoon) is just a few meters distant from the ocean. Species composition did not differ among the lagoons. Abundance of Carollia perspicillata and Glossophaga soricina was higher in the ‘Caraís lagoon. Abundance of Artibeus lituratus and Platyrrhinus lineatus was higher in the ‘Vermelha lagoon. Species with higher abundance in the ‘Vermelha are usually associated with urban and disturbed environments. ‘Vermelha lagoon is closer to human settlements and this could be a major driver of bat species abundance associated with this lagoon instead of distance from the ocean. These results may be used to guide conservations efforts in the restingas or habitats associated with restingas.(AU)

Bats in a restinga area in Sergipe, Northeastern Brazil

There is little known about the bats of the Brazilian restinga as most studies have concentrated on the countrys south and southeast regions. In Sergipe, Northeastern Brazil, the only study previously carried out registered 17 species in different restinga habitats. Thus, this study aimed to characterize the bat community in a restinga area in Sergipe and update the list of species that occur in the area. The study was carried out in the Caju Private Natural Heritage Reserve, on the south coast of the state of Sergipe. Monthly campaigns were carried out from October 2016 to September 2017 over two consecutive nights and alternating between two sites to capture the bats. We captured Bats using 10 mist nets that remained open between 6:00 p.m. and 12:00 p.m. We determined the abundance and trophic guilds of the captured species. In addition, we obtained the occurrence frequency degree through the Constancy Index. We captured 457 individuals distributed over 13 species and two families, where three species represented a new record for the locality. The family Phyllostomidae was the richest and most abundant. Most species were frugivorous (61.5%). According to the Constancy Index, only four species were considered common. Using Jackknife 1 estimator, we estimated 14.83 species for the area, indicating that the richness obtained in this study corresponds to 87.6% of this estimate. This study resulted in an 17.6% increase in bat richness known for the area. The high representativeness of the Phyllostomidae family may be related to the capture method used. The predominance of frugivores bats in this study may be associated with the presence of many fruit trees in the area. The low occurrence of species considered common is often reported and can be explained by the species trophic specializations and by the sampling methods. Considering the scarcity of studies in restinga areas in Northeastern Brazil, this work becomes important for the knowledge of the bats in this environment, especially for Sergipe.(AU)

On the development of a trait-based approach for studying Neotropical bats

New World bats are involved in key ecological processes and are good indicators of environmental changes. Recently, trait-based approaches have been used in several taxa to better understand mechanisms underlying species assemblages, biotic interactions, environmental relationships and ecosystem functions. However, despite the relevance of bats on ecosystem dynamics, so far, there is no conceptual framework that relies on the measurement of bat traits to address functional studies. Here, we present a set of 50 bat biological traits, which are suitable to assess environmental stressors and can potentially affect ecological processes. Several examples were provided to show the applicability of this framework in the study of Neotropical bat ecology. We suggest some considerations regarding trait-based approach including the importance of intraspecific variation, correlations between traits, response-effect framework, global dataset, and future directions to assess the reliability of functional relations across species and Neotropical regions by using traits. This could be helpful in tackling ecological questions associated with community assembly and habitat filtering, species diversity patterns along environmental gradients, and ecological processes. We envision this paper as a first step toward an integrative bat functional trait protocol held up with solid evidence.(AU)

Frugivorous bat (Chiroptera: Phyllostomidae) community structure and trophic relations in Atlantic Forest fragments

We evaluated the structure of a community of frugivorous bats using composition and abundance patterns, niche amplitude and food overlap of these animals in four Atlantic Forest fragments, each one exposed to different conservation realities. For twelve months, we captured six bat species and found the seeds of 13 species of pioneering plants in 158 fecal samples. The most abundant bat species were Artibeus planirostris (25.4%), Artibeus lituratus (24.1%) and Carollia perspicillata(23.9%). Only one fragment (Fazenda Unida), the most conserved area, exhibited a significantly different composition and abundance of species. We found low trophic niche amplitude values (<0.60), associated to high food overlaps. Our results suggest that bats can adjust their foraging strategy to deal with food availability variations. By favoring pioneering plant species, the fragmentation process noted of the studied areas creates an attractive environment for bats more tolerant to this type of disturbance. The sampled areas represent important secondary forest remnants in southern Brazil that require attention to avoid an even greater loss of bat diversity.(AU)

Descrição e variação sazonal na histomorfometria epididimária de Dermanura cinerea (Chiroptera: Phyllostomidae) em um fragmento de Mata Atlântica no Nordeste do Brasil / Description and seasonal variation in epididymal histomorphometry of Dermanuracinerea (Chiroptera: Phyllostomidae) in a fragment of the Atlantic Forest in the Northeastern Brazil

Description and seasonal variation in epididymal histomorphometry of Dermanuracinerea (Chiroptera: Phyllostomidae) in a fragment of the Atlantic Forest in the Northeastern Brazil. This study aimed to evaluate seasonal patterns in the histomorphometry of the epididymis of Dermanura cinerea (Gervais, 1856) in a fragment of the Atlantic Forest in the Northeastern Brazil. Eighteen adult male specimens captured by mist net were used. The field-work occurred monthly over 18 months, during two consecutive nights. Meteorological data (precipitation) were obtained from the National Institute of Meteorology. After euthanasia, specimens had the epididymis collected, which were fixed and processed. The histological slides produced were stained by Hematoxylin - Eosin and analyzed by optical microscopy. The morphometric parameters analyzed were the tubular, lumen and epithelium areas, of the regions of the initial segment, caput, corpus and cauda of the epididymis. The histomorphometric data were submitted to the Mann-Whitney U test analyzes. The results showed that D. cinerea presented spermatozoa in all regions of the epididymis, except in the initial segment. The highest averages of the tubular, lumen and epithelial areas in the four regions were observed during the dry months. Therefore, D cinerea presented greater sensibility in the region of the cauda of the epididymis, during the months with low rainfall indices. This indicates that environmental conditions have considerable influence on the epididymal morphophysiology of this species, especially in relation to the storage of sperm in the tail of this organ, in area of Atlantic forest in northeastern Brazil.(AU)

Esse estudo objetivou avaliar sazonalmente a histomorfometria do epidídimo de Dermanura cinerea (Gervais, 1856) em um fragmento de Mata Atlântica no nordeste do Brasil. Foram utilizados 18 espécimes machos adultos capturados por redes de neblina. As coletas ocorreram mensalmente ao longo de dezoito meses, durante duas noites consecutivas e os dados meteorológicos foram fornecidos pelo Instituto Nacional de Meteorologia. Depois de eutanasiados, os espécimes tiveram os epidídimos coletados e esses órgãos foram fixados e processados. As lâminas histológicas foram coradas por Hematoxilina - Eosina e analisadas em microscopia óptica. Os parâmetros morfométricos analisados foram as áreas do túbulo, do lúmen e do epitélio das regiões do segmento inicial, cabeça, corpo e cauda do epidídimo. Os dados histomorfométricos obtidos foram submetidos às análises no teste U de Mann-Whitney. Os resultados revelaram que D. cinerea apresentou espermatozoides em todas as regiões do epidídimo, exceto no segmento inicial. As maiores médias das áreas tubular, do lúmen e do epitélio nas quatro regiões, foram constatadas durante os meses secos. Portanto, D cinerea apresentou maior sensibilidade na região da cauda do epidídimo, ao longo dos meses com baixos índices pluviométricos. Isso indica que as condições ambientais apresentam considerável influência sobre a morfofisiologia epidídimária dessa espécie, sobretudo, em relação ao armazenamento de espermatozoides na cauda desse órgão, em área de Mata atlântica do nordeste brasileiro.(AU)

Frugivorous bat (Chiroptera: Phyllostomidae) community structure and trophic relations in Atlantic Forest fragments

We evaluated the structure of a community of frugivorous bats using composition and abundance patterns, niche amplitude and food overlap of these animals in four Atlantic Forest fragments, each one exposed to different conservation realities. For twelve months, we captured six bat species and found the seeds of 13 species of pioneering plants in 158 fecal samples. The most abundant bat species were Artibeus planirostris (25.4%), Artibeus lituratus (24.1%) and Carollia perspicillata(23.9%). Only one fragment (Fazenda Unida), the most conserved area, exhibited a significantly different composition and abundance of species. We found low trophic niche amplitude values (<0.60), associated to high food overlaps. Our results suggest that bats can adjust their foraging strategy to deal with food availability variations. By favoring pioneering plant species, the fragmentation process noted of the studied areas creates an attractive environment for bats more tolerant to this type of disturbance. The sampled areas represent important secondary forest remnants in southern Brazil that require attention to avoid an even greater loss of bat diversity.

Descrição e variação sazonal na histomorfometria epididimária de Dermanura cinerea (Chiroptera: Phyllostomidae) em um fragmento de Mata Atlântica no Nordeste do Brasil / Description and seasonal variation in epididymal histomorphometry of Dermanuracinerea (Chiroptera: Phyllostomidae) in a fragment of the Atlantic Forest in the Northeastern Brazil

Description and seasonal variation in epididymal histomorphometry of Dermanuracinerea (Chiroptera: Phyllostomidae) in a fragment of the Atlantic Forest in the Northeastern Brazil. This study aimed to evaluate seasonal patterns in the histomorphometry of the epididymis of Dermanura cinerea (Gervais, 1856) in a fragment of the Atlantic Forest in the Northeastern Brazil. Eighteen adult male specimens captured by mist net were used. The field-work occurred monthly over 18 months, during two consecutive nights. Meteorological data (precipitation) were obtained from the National Institute of Meteorology. After euthanasia, specimens had the epididymis collected, which were fixed and processed. The histological slides produced were stained by Hematoxylin - Eosin and analyzed by optical microscopy. The morphometric parameters analyzed were the tubular, lumen and epithelium areas, of the regions of the initial segment, caput, corpus and cauda of the epididymis. The histomorphometric data were submitted to the Mann-Whitney U test analyzes. The results showed that D. cinerea presented spermatozoa in all regions of the epididymis, except in the initial segment. The highest averages of the tubular, lumen and epithelial areas in the four regions were observed during the dry months. Therefore, D cinerea presented greater sensibility in the region of the cauda of the epididymis, during the months with low rainfall indices. This indicates that environmental conditions have considerable influence on the epididymal morphophysiology of this species, especially in relation to the storage of sperm in the tail of this organ, in area of Atlantic forest in northeastern Brazil.

Esse estudo objetivou avaliar sazonalmente a histomorfometria do epidídimo de Dermanura cinerea (Gervais, 1856) em um fragmento de Mata Atlântica no nordeste do Brasil. Foram utilizados 18 espécimes machos adultos capturados por redes de neblina. As coletas ocorreram mensalmente ao longo de dezoito meses, durante duas noites consecutivas e os dados meteorológicos foram fornecidos pelo Instituto Nacional de Meteorologia. Depois de eutanasiados, os espécimes tiveram os epidídimos coletados e esses órgãos foram fixados e processados. As lâminas histológicas foram coradas por Hematoxilina - Eosina e analisadas em microscopia óptica. Os parâmetros morfométricos analisados foram as áreas do túbulo, do lúmen e do epitélio das regiões do segmento inicial, cabeça, corpo e cauda do epidídimo. Os dados histomorfométricos obtidos foram submetidos às análises no teste U de Mann-Whitney. Os resultados revelaram que D. cinerea apresentou espermatozoides em todas as regiões do epidídimo, exceto no segmento inicial. As maiores médias das áreas tubular, do lúmen e do epitélio nas quatro regiões, foram constatadas durante os meses secos. Portanto, D cinerea apresentou maior sensibilidade na região da cauda do epidídimo, ao longo dos meses com baixos índices pluviométricos. Isso indica que as condições ambientais apresentam considerável influência sobre a morfofisiologia epidídimária dessa espécie, sobretudo, em relação ao armazenamento de espermatozoides na cauda desse órgão, em área de Mata atlântica do nordeste brasileiro.

Defining New Pathways to Manage the Ongoing Emergence of Bat Rabies in Latin America.

Rabies transmitted by common vampire bats (Desmodus rotundus) has been known since the early 1900s but continues to expand geographically and in the range of species and environments affected. In this review, we present current knowledge of the epidemiology and management of rabies in D. rotundus and argue that it can be reasonably considered an emerging public health threat. We identify knowledge gaps related to the landscape determinants of the bat reservoir, reduction in bites on humans and livestock, and social barriers to prevention. We discuss how new technologies including autonomously-spreading vaccines and reproductive suppressants targeting bats might manage both rabies and undesirable growth of D. rotundus populations. Finally, we highlight widespread under-reporting of human and animal mortality and the scarcity of studies that quantify the efficacy of control measures such as bat culling. Collaborations between researchers and managers will be crucial to implement the next generation of rabies management in Latin America.

Reproduction and population dynamics of cave-dwelling bats in Costa of Oaxaca, México / Reproducción y dinámica poblacional de murciélagos cavernícolas en Costa de Oaxaca, México

Introduction: Reproduction is a critical phase for most living organisms and in bats the reproductive strategies exhibit considerable complexity and variability. Objective: To describe the reproductive patterns and population dynamics of seven bat species (Artibeus toltecus, Carollia perspicillata, Glossophaga soricina, Mormoops megalophylla, Pteronotus fulvus, Pteronotus mesoamericanus and Natalus mexicanus) that roost in one mine (La Mina) and two caves (El Apanguito and Cerro Huatulco) in the State of Oaxaca, in Southeastern México. Methods: Sampling was conducted monthly from July 2016 to June 2017. Bats were captured using a harp trap, which was placed at the entrance of the roosts. The captured bats were identified using taxonomic keys, marked with an aluminum ring, sex and age class were also determined. Reproductive activity was modeled through 63 GLMs for each species (504 in total). The best model was selected according to the Akaike Information Criterion (AIC). Results: A total of 5 836 bats were captured and marked, classified into 14 species, 10 genera, and five families. The most abundant species were: P. fulvus and P. mesoamericanus, representing 41 % and 32.3 % of the captures, respectively. The mormopids M. megalophylla, P. fulvus, P. mesoamericanus,together with N. mexicanus showed a restricted seasonal monoestrous pattern, while the phyllostomids A. toltecus, C. perspicillata, and G. soricina showed a seasonal bimodal polyoestry pattern. The monthly abundance of species fluctuated significantly (H= 13, df= 11, P= 0.044) in the three roosts throughout the entire study period and the best supported GLM that included the seven species showed that the six chosen variables (season, sex, roost, temperature, precipitation and humidity) were positively associated with reproductive activity. Conclusions: The reproductive activity of each species seems to be synchronized with the end of the dry season and the beginning of the rainy season, as well as influenced by factors such as temperature, humidity and roost site.

Introducción: La reproducción es una fase crítica para la mayoría de los organismos vivos y en los murciélagos las estrategias reproductivas exhiben considerable complejidad y variabilidad. Objetivo: Describir los patrones reproductivos y la dinámica poblacional de siete especies de murciélagos: Artibeus toltecus, Carollia perspicillata, Glossophaga soricina, Mormoops megalophylla, Pteronotus fulvus, Pteronotus mesoamericanus y Natalus mexicanus, que se refugian en una mina (La Mina) y dos cuevas (El Apanguito y Cerro Huatulco), en el estado de Oaxaca, sureste de México. Métodos: El muestreo se realizó una vez al mes de julio 2016 a junio 2017. Los murciélagos se capturaron utilizando una trampa de arpa que fue colocada en la entrada de los refugios. La especie de los murciélagos capturados fue determinada con claves de identificación taxonómica, además fueron marcados con un anillo de aluminio y también se determinó el sexo y la clase de edad. La actividad reproductiva fue modelada a través de 63 GLMs para cada especie (504 en total). El mejor modelo fue seleccionado según el Criterio de Información de Akaike (AIC). Resultados: Se capturaron y marcaron 5 836 murciélagos, incluidos en 14 especies, 10 géneros y cinco familias. Las especies más abundantes fueron: P. fulvus y P. mesoamericanus, que representaron el 41 y el 32.3 % de las capturas, respectivamente. Los mormópidos M. megalophylla, P. fulvus, P. mesoamericanus junto con N. mexicanus mostraron un patrón monoéstrico estacional,mientras que los filostómidos A. toltecus, C. perspicillata y G. soricina mostraron un patrón poliéstrico estacional bimodal. La abundancia mensual de las especies fluctuó significativamente (H= 13, df= 11, P= 0.044) en los tres refugios a lo largo del periodo de estudio y el GLM mejor respaldado que incluyó las siete especies mostró que las seis variables elegidas (temporada, sexo, refugio, temperatura, precipitación y humedad) se asociaron positivamente con la actividad reproductiva. Conclusiones: La actividad reproductiva de cada especie parece estar sincronizada con el final de la temporada seca y el comienzo de la temporada de lluvias, e influenciada por factores como temperatura, humedad y el sitio de refugio.

Bat assemblages of protected areas in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil / Assembleias de morcegos em Unidades de Conservação no estado do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil

We analyzed the bat assemblages found in protected areas in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, which is the best-sampled region of the Atlantic Forest. We selected 24 strict nature reserves and nine sustainable-use protected areas. We used data from inventories and complemented with data from the literature. We compared strict and sustainable-use protected areas, and tested whether the bat assemblages varied between habitat types. We tested the effect of geographic distance on the dissimilarity between bat assemblages, as well as the relationship between species composition and the size, mean altitude of the protected area, and capture effort. We compiled a total of 34,443 capture records, involving 67 species. Three species were captured only once, which raises cause for concern. Bat assemblages did not vary between protected area categories, but did vary among habitats with less than 1,000 captures. Assemblages were more similar to one another in geographically proximate areas. The size of the protected area and capture effort did not affect the composition of the bat assemblages, but altitude did influence this parameter. The Atlantic Forest is a priority biome for research and conservation, and reliable data on species distributions are essential for the development of conservation strategies.(AU)

Analisamos as assembleias de morcegos encontradas em Unidades de Conservação (UCs) no estado do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil, que é a região melhor amostrada da Mata Atlântica. Selecionamos 24 UCs de Proteção Integral e nove de Uso Sustentável. Utilizamos dados de inventários e complementamos com dados da literatura. Comparamos as UCs de Proteção Integral e de Uso Sustentável e testamos se as assembleias de morcegos variavam entre os tipos de habitat. Testamos o efeito da distância geográfica na dissimilaridade entre as assembleias de morcegos, bem como a relação entre a composição das espécies e o tamanho, a altitude média das UCs e o esforço de captura. Compilamos um total de 34.443 registros de captura, de 67 espécies. Três espécies foram capturadas apenas uma vez, o que mostra motivos de preocupação. As assembleias de morcegos não variaram entre categorias das UCs, mas variaram entre habitats com menos de 1.000 capturas. As assembleias foram mais parecidas entre si em áreas geograficamente próximas. O tamanho da UC e o esforço de captura não afetaram a composição das assembleias de morcegos, mas a altitude influenciou esse parâmetro. A Mata Atlântica é um bioma prioritário para pesquisa e conservação, e dados confiáveis sobre a distribuição de espécies são essenciais para o desenvolvimento de estratégias de conservação.(AU)

Morphology and ectoparasite spectrum of Pteropus vampyrus (the flying fox) in different parts of Malakand Division, Pakistan / Morfologia e espectro ectoparasitário de Pteropus vampyrus (raposa voadora) em diferentes partes da divisão de Malakand, Paquistão

Three districts viz. Lower Dir, Swat and Shangla in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, were surveyed for the collection of Pteropus vampyrus (the Indian flying fox) in Malakand division, the north western region of Pakistan from February to November 2018. A total of 35 specimens were captured. Out of the examined specimens 22 were found to be infected with ectoparasites. Three types of ectoparasites were observed including flies 20% (n=7/35), mites 28.5% (n=10/35) and bugs 14.2% (n=5/35). Male bats were more infected 57.1% (n=20/35) as compared to females 42.8% (n=15/35), however, no significant difference (p>0.05) was noted. Flies were recovered from wings membrane and head region, mites were found on wings, ears and around eyes while bugs were found attached on body surface and neck region. Body weight, circumference and wing span of male bats were greater as compared to female bats and were considered a key factor in clear cut identification of male and female Pteropus vampyrus (the Indian flyingfox). It was concluded that Pteropus vampyrus from north western part of Pakistan were parasitized by a varied parasite fauna with high infestation rates. We assume that in male bats the number of parasites is generally higher than in females. Our results revealed new insights into parasite fauna of Pteropus vampyrus.(AU)

Três distritos, Lower Dir, Swat e Shangla, em Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, foram pesquisados para a recolha de Pteropus vampyrus (raposa voadora indiana) na divisão de Malakand, região noroeste do Paquistão, de fevereiro a novembro de 2018. Foram capturados 35 espécimes, dos quais 22 foram infectados com ectoparasitas. Três tipos de ectoparasitas foram observados: moscas (20%; n = 7/35), ácaros (28,5%; n = 10/35) e insetos (14,2%; n = 5/35). Os morcegos machos foram mais infectados (57,1%; n = 20/35) do que as fêmeas (42,8%; n = 15/35); porém, nenhuma diferença significativa foi observada (p > 0,05). As moscas foram recuperadas da membrana das asas e da região da cabeça; já os ácaros foram encontrados nas asas, nas orelhas e ao redor dos olhos; por sua vez, os insetos foram encontrados na superfície do corpo e na região do pescoço. O peso corporal, a circunferência e a envergadura dos morcegos machos foram maiores em comparação aos morcegos fêmeas e foram considerados um fator-chave na identificação dos machos e das fêmeas Pteropus vampyrus (raposa voadora indiana). Conclui-se que os Pteropus vampyrus da parte noroeste do Paquistão foram parasitados por uma fauna variada de parasitas com altas taxas de infestação. Assume-se que, em morcegos machos, o número de parasitas é geralmente maior que em fêmeas. Os resultados deste estudo revelaram novos insights sobre a fauna parasita de Pteropus vampyrus.(AU)

Bat assemblages of protected areas in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil / Assembleias de morcegos em Unidades de Conservação no estado do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil

We analyzed the bat assemblages found in protected areas in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, which is the best-sampled region of the Atlantic Forest. We selected 24 strict nature reserves and nine sustainable-use protected areas. We used data from inventories and complemented with data from the literature. We compared strict and sustainable-use protected areas, and tested whether the bat assemblages varied between habitat types. We tested the effect of geographic distance on the dissimilarity between bat assemblages, as well as the relationship between species composition and the size, mean altitude of the protected area, and capture effort. We compiled a total of 34,443 capture records, involving 67 species. Three species were captured only once, which raises cause for concern. Bat assemblages did not vary between protected area categories, but did vary among habitats with less than 1,000 captures. Assemblages were more similar to one another in geographically proximate areas. The size of the protected area and capture effort did not affect the composition of the bat assemblages, but altitude did influence this parameter. The Atlantic Forest is a priority biome for research and conservation, and reliable data on species distributions are essential for the development of conservation strategies.

Analisamos as assembleias de morcegos encontradas em Unidades de Conservação (UCs) no estado do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil, que é a região melhor amostrada da Mata Atlântica. Selecionamos 24 UCs de Proteção Integral e nove de Uso Sustentável. Utilizamos dados de inventários e complementamos com dados da literatura. Comparamos as UCs de Proteção Integral e de Uso Sustentável e testamos se as assembleias de morcegos variavam entre os tipos de habitat. Testamos o efeito da distância geográfica na dissimilaridade entre as assembleias de morcegos, bem como a relação entre a composição das espécies e o tamanho, a altitude média das UCs e o esforço de captura. Compilamos um total de 34.443 registros de captura, de 67 espécies. Três espécies foram capturadas apenas uma vez, o que mostra motivos de preocupação. As assembleias de morcegos não variaram entre categorias das UCs, mas variaram entre habitats com menos de 1.000 capturas. As assembleias foram mais parecidas entre si em áreas geograficamente próximas. O tamanho da UC e o esforço de captura não afetaram a composição das assembleias de morcegos, mas a altitude influenciou esse parâmetro. A Mata Atlântica é um bioma prioritário para pesquisa e conservação, e dados confiáveis sobre a distribuição de espécies são essenciais para o desenvolvimento de estratégias de conservação.

Biology of Phyllostomus hastatus (Pallas, 1767) (Chiroptera, Mammalia) from two urban parks at Rio de Janeiro, Brazil / Biologia de Phyllostomus hastatus (Pallas, 1767) (Chiroptera, Mammalia) em dois parques urbanos no Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil

Estudos sobre a biologia de morcegos, englobando hábitos alimentares, reprodução e parasitologia são importantes para conhecer o papel desses pequenos mamíferos no ecossistema, porém poucas pesquisas apresentam essas informações. O presente artigo foi feito no intuito de reunir informações sobre a biologia de Phyllostomus hastatus, e comparar os resultados entre dois parques urbanos da cidade Rio de Janeiro (Rio de Janeiro, Brasil): Parque Natural Municipal da Freguesia (PNMF), e Parque Estadual da Pedra Branca (PEPB), sendo este último consideravelmente maior que o anterior. Trabalhos de campo de longa duração foram conduzidos nas duas áreas, e dados sobre a biometria, reprodução, parasitos e dieta foram obtidos. Os animais foram capturados com redes de neblina e colocados em sacos de algodão, de onde foi retirado o material fecal para posterior análise. Eles foram medidos vivos e foi observada a condição reprodutiva; ectoparasitos foram coletados e, quando possível, esfregaços sanguíneos foram feitos. Os animais foram soltos ao final do trabalho de campo. Em laboratório as fezes e os esfregaços foram analisados. Como resultado, foram capturados 53 espécimes de Phyllostomus hastatus, 13 do PNMF e 40 do PEPB. Encontramos indivíduos com medidas menores no parque mais antropizado - PNMF; a reprodução ocorreu entre setembro e dezembro nos dois parques; a dieta incluiu Curcubitaceae, Urticaceae, Bombacaceae, Lythraceae, Coleoptera, Lepidoptera, Hemiptera e Diptera. Sobre ectoparasitos, Diptera e Acari foram encontrados; não havia hemoparasitos nas amostras de sangue. Apesar de no menor parque haver mais animais afetados por influência antrópica, nossos resultados reforçam a ideia de que a criação de áreas preservadas pequenas é importante para a manutenção de espécies, pois elas podem servir como corredores ecológicos e fornecem alimentos para os animais.(AU)

Studies about bats biology encompassing diet, reproduction and parasitology are important to understand the role of these small animals in the ecosystem. However, few studies present such information. Therefore, the present paper was made to congregate information about biology of Phyllostomus hastatus, and compare the results between two urban parks at Rio de Janeiro City (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil): Parque Natural Municipal da Freguesia (PNMF) and Parque Estadual da Pedra Branca (PEPB), the latter being considerably larger than the other one. Long-term fieldworks were conducted in both areas and data on biometry, reproduction, parasites and diet were assembled. Animals were captured in mists nets and put in cotton sacs, from where fecal material was collected for further analysis. They were measured alive and inspected for reproductive stage; ectoparasites were collected and blood smears were made whenever possible. Bats were released at the end of the fieldwork. The feces and blood material were analyzed at the lab. Thus, 53 specimens of Phyllostomus were captured, 13 from PNMF and 40 from PEPB. We found individuals with smaller measurements at the most anthropized park the Freguesia Park; reproduction occurred between September and December at both parks; diet included Curcubitaceae, Urticaceae, Bombacaceae, Lythraceae, Coleoptera, Lepidoptera, Hemiptera and Diptera. Concerning ectoparasites, Diptera and Acari were recorded; no haemoparasites were found in the blood smears. Although specimens from the smaller park seem to be most affected by anthropization, our results reinforce the idea that the creation of small parks is important for species maintenance, since it may serve as ecological corridor and as a food source for the animals.(AU)

Biology of Phyllostomus hastatus (Pallas, 1767) (Chiroptera, Mammalia) from two urban parks at Rio de Janeiro, Brazil / Biologia de Phyllostomus hastatus (Pallas, 1767) (Chiroptera, Mammalia) em dois parques urbanos no Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil

Estudos sobre a biologia de morcegos, englobando hábitos alimentares, reprodução e parasitologia são importantes para conhecer o papel desses pequenos mamíferos no ecossistema, porém poucas pesquisas apresentam essas informações. O presente artigo foi feito no intuito de reunir informações sobre a biologia de Phyllostomus hastatus, e comparar os resultados entre dois parques urbanos da cidade Rio de Janeiro (Rio de Janeiro, Brasil): Parque Natural Municipal da Freguesia (PNMF), e Parque Estadual da Pedra Branca (PEPB), sendo este último consideravelmente maior que o anterior. Trabalhos de campo de longa duração foram conduzidos nas duas áreas, e dados sobre a biometria, reprodução, parasitos e dieta foram obtidos. Os animais foram capturados com redes de neblina e colocados em sacos de algodão, de onde foi retirado o material fecal para posterior análise. Eles foram medidos vivos e foi observada a condição reprodutiva; ectoparasitos foram coletados e, quando possível, esfregaços sanguíneos foram feitos. Os animais foram soltos ao final do trabalho de campo. Em laboratório as fezes e os esfregaços foram analisados. Como resultado, foram capturados 53 espécimes de Phyllostomus hastatus, 13 do PNMF e 40 do PEPB. Encontramos indivíduos com medidas menores no parque mais antropizado - PNMF; a reprodução ocorreu entre setembro e dezembro nos dois parques; a dieta incluiu Curcubitaceae, Urticaceae, Bombacaceae, Lythraceae, Coleoptera, Lepidoptera, Hemiptera e Diptera. Sobre ectoparasitos, Diptera e Acari foram encontrados; não havia hemoparasitos nas amostras de sangue. Apesar de no menor parque haver mais animais afetados por influência antrópica, nossos resultados reforçam a ideia de que a criação de áreas preservadas pequenas é importante para a manutenção de espécies, pois elas podem servir como corredores ecológicos e fornecem alimentos para os animais.

Studies about bats biology encompassing diet, reproduction and parasitology are important to understand the role of these small animals in the ecosystem. However, few studies present such information. Therefore, the present paper was made to congregate information about biology of Phyllostomus hastatus, and compare the results between two urban parks at Rio de Janeiro City (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil): Parque Natural Municipal da Freguesia (PNMF) and Parque Estadual da Pedra Branca (PEPB), the latter being considerably larger than the other one. Long-term fieldworks were conducted in both areas and data on biometry, reproduction, parasites and diet were assembled. Animals were captured in mists nets and put in cotton sacs, from where fecal material was collected for further analysis. They were measured alive and inspected for reproductive stage; ectoparasites were collected and blood smears were made whenever possible. Bats were released at the end of the fieldwork. The feces and blood material were analyzed at the lab. Thus, 53 specimens of Phyllostomus were captured, 13 from PNMF and 40 from PEPB. We found individuals with smaller measurements at the most anthropized park – the Freguesia Park; reproduction occurred between September and December at both parks; diet included Curcubitaceae, Urticaceae, Bombacaceae, Lythraceae, Coleoptera, Lepidoptera, Hemiptera and Diptera. Concerning ectoparasites, Diptera and Acari were recorded; no haemoparasites were found in the blood smears. Although specimens from the smaller park seem to be most affected by anthropization, our results reinforce the idea that the creation of small parks is important for species maintenance, since it may serve as ecological corridor and as a food source for the animals.

Is bone loss a physiological cost of reproduction in the Great fruit-eating bat Artibeus lituratus?

During mammalian pregnancy and lactation, the maternal demand for calcium is increased to satisfy fetus and newborn skeletal growth. In addition to the dietary intake, females use the calcium contained in their bones to supply this increased demand, leading to a decrease in maternal bone mineral content. In reproductive insectivorous female bats, bone loss has been described as a physiological cost of reproduction, due to the reported increased risk of bone fracture. This physiological cost may be the mechanism underlying the conflict between increasing litter size and maintaining wing skeletal integrity, which would help to explain the small litter size of most bat species. If bone loss is a linking cost between reproduction and survival in bats, and most bat species have small litter sizes, one would expect to find a loss of bone and an increasing probability of bone fracture during pregnancy and lactation in other non-insectivorous bats. In this study, we tested for the existence of this cost in the Great-fruit eating bat, Artibeus lituratus. We analyzed trabecular structure, bone strength and bone mineral content for the humerus bone, hypothesizing that bone loss during reproduction in females would increase the risk of fracture. Our results showed a decrease of 22-31% in bone trabecular area in lactating females, rapidly compensated following weaning. Bone strength did not differ among reproductive and non-reproductive groups and seems to be more influenced by bone organic components rather than mineral contents. Since we observed bone loss during reproduction yet the humerus strength seems to be unaffected, we suggest that bone loss may not represent a physiological cost during reproduction for this frugivorous bat.

The phyllostomid bat (Mammalia, Chiroptera) assemblage in a fragmented landscape in Midwestern Brazil / Assembleia de morcegos filostomídeos (Mammalia: Chiroptera) em uma paisagem modificada no Centro-Oeste do Brasil

Bats are the second largest order of mammals, with varying feeding habits and great ecological significance. Anthropization has several important effects on animal communities and the Brazilian Cerrado, a Neotropical savannah, has been severely affected by human activity. The objective of this study was to evaluate phyllostomid bat assemblage distributions in the different landscape formations of a modified savannah. Using mist nets, we performed 36 sampling nights between 2015 and 2016. The sampling effort was 23,328 m².h and was equally distributed over three landscape formations: a large fragment, riparian forest, and small fragments. We compared capture rates, richness, diversity, similarity, and feeding guilds for the three formations. We captured 418 bats of 12 species belonging to the family Phyllostomidae. The most abundant species was Artibeus planirostris (Spix, 1823) (n = 126). We found no significant differences in capture rate or diversity between the areas, but there were differences in feeding guild representation. Frugivores species were the most abundant in the three areas. No gleaning insectivore or carnivore species were captured in the small fragments, and the large fragment contained no hematophages. The large fragment and the small fragments had the greatest similarity whereas the riparian forest and small fragments had the least similarity.(AU)

Os morcegos são a segunda maior ordem de mamíferos, com diversos hábitos alimentares e grande importância ecológica. A antropização possui diversos efeitos nas comunidades animais e o Cerrado Brasileiro, uma savana neotropical, tem sido severamente afetada pela atividade humana. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a distribuição da assembleia de morcegos filostomídeos nas diferentes formações de paisagem de uma savana modificada. Utilizando redes de neblina, nós realizamos 36 noites de amostragem entre 2015 e 2016. O esforço amostral foi de 23.238 m².h igualmente distribuído entre três formações de paisagem: um fragmento grande, mata ciliar e pequenos fragmentos. Nós comparamos a taxa de captura, riqueza, diversidade, similaridade e guildas alimentares para as três formações. Foram capturados 418 morcegos de 12 espécies da família Phyllostomidae. A espécie mais abundante foi Artibeus planirostris (Spix, 1823) (n = 126). Nós não encontramos diferenças significativas na taxa de captura ou diversidade entre as áreas, mas houve diferenças na representatividade das guildas alimentares. As espécies frugívoras foram as mais abundantes nas três áreas. Não houve capturas de espécies insetívoras catadoras ou carnívoras nos pequenos fragmentos e de hematófagos no fragmento grande. O fragmento grande e os pequenos tiveram a maior similaridade entre as formações, enquanto a mata ciliar e os fragmentos pequenos tiveram a menor similaridade.(AU)

The phyllostomid bat (Mammalia, Chiroptera) assemblage in a fragmented landscape in Midwestern Brazil

Bats are the second largest order of mammals, with varying feeding habits and great ecological significance. Anthropization has several important effects on animal communities and the Brazilian Cerrado, a Neotropical savannah, has been severely affected by human activity. The objective of this study was to evaluate phyllostomid bat assemblage distributions in the different landscape formations of a modified savannah. Using mist nets, we performed 36 sampling nights between 2015 and 2016. The sampling effort was 23,328 m².h and was equally distributed over three landscape formations: a large fragment, riparian forest, and small fragments. We compared capture rates, richness, diversity, similarity, and feeding guilds for the three formations. We captured 418 bats of 12 species belonging to the family Phyllostomidae. The most abundant species was Artibeus planirostris (Spix, 1823) (n = 126). We found no significant differences in capture rate or diversity between the areas, but there were differences in feeding guild representation. Frugivores species were the most abundant in the three areas. No gleaning insectivore or carnivore species were captured in the small fragments, and the large fragment contained no hematophages. The large fragment and the small fragments had the greatest similarity whereas the riparian forest and small fragments had the least similarity.(AU)

Os morcegos são a segunda maior ordem de mamíferos, com diversos hábitos alimentares e grande importância ecológica. A antropização possui diversos efeitos nas comunidades animais e o Cerrado Brasileiro, uma savana neotropical, tem sido severamente afetada pela atividade humana. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a distribuição da assembleia de morcegos filostomídeos nas diferentes formações de paisagem de uma savana modificada. Utilizando redes de neblina, nós realizamos 36 noites de amostragem entre 2015 e 2016. O esforço amostral foi de 23.238 m².h igualmente distribuído entre três formações de paisagem: um fragmento grande, mata ciliar e pequenos fragmentos. Nós comparamos a taxa de captura, riqueza, diversidade, similaridade e guildas alimentares para as três formações. Foram capturados 418 morcegos de 12 espécies da família Phyllostomidae. A espécie mais abundante foi Artibeus planirostris (Spix, 1823) (n = 126). Nós não encontramos diferenças significativas na taxa de captura ou diversidade entre as áreas, mas houve diferenças na representatividade das guildas alimentares. As espécies frugívoras foram as mais abundantes nas três áreas. Não houve capturas de espécies insetívoras catadoras ou carnívoras nos pequenos fragmentos e de hematófagos no fragmento grande. O fragmento grande e os pequenos tiveram a maior similaridade entre as formações, enquanto a mata ciliar e os fragmentos pequenos tiveram a menor similaridade.(AU)

The phyllostomid bat (Mammalia, Chiroptera) assemblage in a fragmented landscape in Midwestern Brazil

Bats are the second largest order of mammals, with varying feeding habits and great ecological significance. Anthropization has several important effects on animal communities and the Brazilian Cerrado, a Neotropical savannah, has been severely affected by human activity. The objective of this study was to evaluate phyllostomid bat assemblage distributions in the different landscape formations of a modified savannah. Using mist nets, we performed 36 sampling nights between 2015 and 2016. The sampling effort was 23,328 m².h and was equally distributed over three landscape formations: a large fragment, riparian forest, and small fragments. We compared capture rates, richness, diversity, similarity, and feeding guilds for the three formations. We captured 418 bats of 12 species belonging to the family Phyllostomidae. The most abundant species was Artibeus planirostris (Spix, 1823) (n = 126). We found no significant differences in capture rate or diversity between the areas, but there were differences in feeding guild representation. Frugivores species were the most abundant in the three areas. No gleaning insectivore or carnivore species were captured in the small fragments, and the large fragment contained no hematophages. The large fragment and the small fragments had the greatest similarity whereas the riparian forest and small fragments had the least similarity.

Os morcegos são a segunda maior ordem de mamíferos, com diversos hábitos alimentares e grande importância ecológica. A antropização possui diversos efeitos nas comunidades animais e o Cerrado Brasileiro, uma savana neotropical, tem sido severamente afetada pela atividade humana. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a distribuição da assembleia de morcegos filostomídeos nas diferentes formações de paisagem de uma savana modificada. Utilizando redes de neblina, nós realizamos 36 noites de amostragem entre 2015 e 2016. O esforço amostral foi de 23.238 m².h igualmente distribuído entre três formações de paisagem: um fragmento grande, mata ciliar e pequenos fragmentos. Nós comparamos a taxa de captura, riqueza, diversidade, similaridade e guildas alimentares para as três formações. Foram capturados 418 morcegos de 12 espécies da família Phyllostomidae. A espécie mais abundante foi Artibeus planirostris (Spix, 1823) (n = 126). Nós não encontramos diferenças significativas na taxa de captura ou diversidade entre as áreas, mas houve diferenças na representatividade das guildas alimentares. As espécies frugívoras foram as mais abundantes nas três áreas. Não houve capturas de espécies insetívoras catadoras ou carnívoras nos pequenos fragmentos e de hematófagos no fragmento grande. O fragmento grande e os pequenos tiveram a maior similaridade entre as formações, enquanto a mata ciliar e os fragmentos pequenos tiveram a menor similaridade.

Reproductive functions in Desmodus rotundus: A comparison between seasons in a morphological context.

Reproductive seasonality in Neotropical bats has been assessed to the better understand their reproductive behavior. This knowledge is especially important for the control of Desmodus rotundus population as it is a transmitter of rabies virus. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the functional activity of testis and epididymis of D. rotundus in dry and rainy seasons under a morphological approach. We observed an increase in tubular diameter and epithelial height of the seminiferous tubules during the rainy season. In the latter, additionally, stereological analysis of the testis showed increased proportion of seminiferous epithelium and reduced percentage of lumen. The sperm number in caput/corpus epididymis increased in rainy season, whereas sperm count and transit time were reduced in cauda region. These alterations were probably related to the recovery of epithelium activities after mating season in dry season. Despite altered nuclear and cytoplasm parameters of Leydig cells between seasons, the volume and number of these cells were constant. Moreover, no change in serum testosterone levels, daily sperm production, and apoptotic index were observed, which indicates that the reproductive pattern in D. rotundus does not change between seasons. Our study offers a baseline for the management of vampire bat population as an attempt to control rabies disease.