Reproductive patterns and feeding habits of three nectarivorous bats (Phyllostomidae: Glossophaginae) from the Brazilian Cerrado

Abstract

The reproductive patterns and feeding habits of three sympatric nectarivorous bats, Glossophaga soricina, Anoura caudifera, and A. geoffroyi were studied in the Pousada das Araras Natural Reserve, located in Central Brazil. The bats were captured with mist nets from August 2000 to July 2001. Reproductive condition was determined by external analyses of the specimens and feeding habits from fecal samples. Glossophaga soricina was the most abundant species (65%), followed by A. geoffroyi (30%) and A. caudifera (5%). Significant differences were observed in the sex-ratio of the two more abundant species. Anoura geoffroyi showed a monoestrous pattern; its reproductive peaks occurred between the end of the dry season and the beginning of the rain season. A seasonal bimodal pattern was recorded for G. soricina, with pregnant specimens showing one peak observed in the dry season and another in the middle of the rainy season. The reproductive pattern of A. caudifera could not be satisfactorily defined because of the small sample size. However, this species apparently has a reproductive cycle similar to that of G. soricina. The patterns observed in this study seem to be related with the climate in the Brazilian savanna (Cerrado), with two well-defined seasons (dry and wet). By adjusting the parturition close to or in the rain season the three species could be favoring a greates survival rate for the offspring, since the critical lactation period would then occur in a time of maximum food availability. The three bat species showed a generalist diet, consuming fruits, pollennectar, and arthropods. Significant differences were observed in the diet of G. soricina: fruits and arthropods predominated in the dry season and pulp (fruits) in the rainy season. Males and females of this species ate the same items in similar proportions. Although A. geoffroyi has not showed a preference for a specific item, consumption of fruits and arthropods was generally greater than that of pollen.

Experimental transmission of the parasitic flagellates Trypanosoma cruzi and Trypanosoma rangeli between triatomine bugs or mice and captive neotropical bats

“…by Rasweiler 1975, 1977, rev. by Gardner 1977, Zortea 2003, Mello et al 2004). This may be necessary to meet some of the bats' nutritional requirements (Rasweiler 1977).…”

Diversidade de morcegos (Mammalia, Chiroptera) do Complexo Aporé-Sucuriú, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brasil

“…II) corresponde ao que ocorre normalmente para áreas de cerrado e outros biomas florestais, onde existem estações seca e chuvosa mais definidas, o que provoca geralmente uma sincronia reprodutiva com a estação das chuvas, por ocasião da maior oferta de alimento para as comunidades de mamíferos (FARIA 1997, ZORTÉA 2003.…”

Reproductive biology of Artibeus fimbriatus Gray 1838 (Chiroptera) at the southern limit of its geographic range

“…The reproduction of bats is usually synchronized so that parturition and lactation events occur during periods of highest food availability, which coincide with periods of highest rainfall in tropical regions (Fleming et al 1972;Willig 1985;Zortéa 2003). At the southern limit of A. fimbriatus distribution there is little variation in rainfall, however, the photoperiod and temperature can vary significantly (Kuinchtner & Buriol 2001;Alvares et al 2013).…”

“…In response to these factors, bats of the Phyllostomidae family have evolved different reproductive patterns in Neotropical regions, such as seasonal polyestry, aseasonal polyestry and monoestry (Fleming et al 1972;Estrada & Coates-Estrada 2001). Considering the high diversity of bats in this region, the available information about their reproductive biology is lacking (Zortéa 2003), and only few species have had their reproductive aspects analyzed in detail (Godoy et al 2014).…”