Bats in a Cerrado landscape of Northern Brazil: species occurrence, influence of environmental heterogeneity and seasonality, and eight new records for the State of Tocantins

Abstract

Patterns of bat distribution in Cerrado can be influenced by habitat heterogeneity and seasonal variation. We described the bat fauna in Cerrado landscape during an environment-monitoring program in Tocantins State, Northern Brazil. Additionally, we tested the influence of habitat heterogeneity and seasonality on the abundance and species richness of Phyllostomidae in this region by Generalized Linear Mixed Models. In 2010, we sampled 40 nights (rainy and dry seasons) in four vegetation types of Cerrado biome. Taxonomic identification was based on measurements and qualitative diagnostics. With a sampling effort of 43,965 m2·h, we captured 274 bats of 30 species, 22 genera and six families. Carollia perspicillata was the most abundant species captured. Colinas do Tocantins municipality was richer than Goiantins (26 and 19 species respectively). The best model for abundance was the interaction between heterogeneity and seasonality and the best model for richness was a mix between these two variables. We registered eight new species for the Tocantins including three species considered threatened with extinction at national level and one at global level. Such results highlight that this region is important for new investigations on the Cerrado biome.

Wing Tattoos: A Cost-Effective and Long-Lasting Method for Marking Bats

“…As such it might not be an adequate marking method for all mammals, but, considering the failures of previous methods, might be considered as an alternative for bats. A few studies have employed tattoos for bats, but most studies that reported using tattoos did not specify if it was placed with pliers, a machine, or tattoo pen (Griffin, 1934; Bonaccorso and Smythe, 1972; Jacobsen and Du Plessis, 1976; Heideman and Heaney, 1989; Maas et al ., 2018). The usefulness of the method as a permanent marking method has never been evaluated.…”

“…Wing punch tattoos have been applied, which uses numbered punches fitted into pliers to make small holes in the wing (Bonaccorso and Smythe, 1972). These marks heal completely and are at times unreliable because the mark is not always visible when the wing membrane grows back (Heideman and Heaney, 1989; Maas et al ., 2018). Previous authors have alluded to using tattoos for marking bats, either with a wing punch or tattoo needles, but the method has not been described, and the effectiveness not tested (Jacobsen and Du Plessis, 1976).…”

Species richness, occurrence and rarity of bats in Brazilian caves

“…Overall, caves in the Cerrado had the highest species richness. Although poorly sampled, the Cerrado—which covers most of central Brazil—has high bat species richness (Aguiar et al., 2016; Lima et al., 2016; Maas et al., 2018) and its caves have recently received more attention, having confirmed its high bat richness (Barros et al., 2020, 2021; Novaes et al., 2012, 2014). In the Cerrado of southeastern Tocantins state, for example, inventories in 19 caves resulted in seven families and 31 bat species recorded, with endangered bat species in 12 caves, eight caves with high diversity indices, seven caves with high species richness, and one, the Gruta dos Moura cave, with an impressive number of 26 bat species, a world record (Barros et al., 2021).…”

Effect of forestry (Pinus sp.) on the bat community (Mammalia: Chiroptera) in Neotropical region

“…Glossophaga spp.) are related to higher habitat heterogeneity (Meyer et al 2015;Maas et al 2017). Higher habitat diversity may decrease the competition for resources in the bat community (Schoeman & Monadjem 2018).…”