Molecular identification of genus Pipistrellus (Mammalia: Chiroptera) from Fata region, Pakistan / Identificação molecular do gênero Pipistrellus (Mammalia: Chiroptera) da região de Fáta, Paquistão

A total of 10 specimens were captured from selected sites of Bajaur Agency FATA, Pakistan using mist nets. The captured specimens were morphologically identified and various morphometric measurements were taken. The head and Body length (HB) of Pipistrellus coromondra and Pipistrellus kuhlii lepidus (n=10) was 43±0.11 mm and 45±1.1 respectively. Morphologically identified Pipistrellus kuhlii confirmed as Pipistrellus kuhlii lepidus based on 16S rRNA sequences. The DNA sequences were submitted to GenBank and accession numbers were obtained (MN719478 and MT430902). The available 16S rRNA gene sequences of Pipistrellus coromondra and Pipistrellus kuhlii lepidus were retrieved from NCBI and incorporated in N-J tree analysis. Overall, the interspecific genetic variations among Pipistrellus coromondra and Pipistrellus kuhlii lepidus were 8% and 1% respectively. In our recommendation, a comprehensive molecular identification of bats is need of hour to report more cryptic and new species from Pakistan.

Um total de 10 espécimes foi capturado em locais selecionados da Bajaur Agency FATA, Paquistão, usando redes de neblina. Os espécimes capturados foram identificados morfologicamente e várias medidas morfométricas foram realizadas. O comprimento da cabeça e do corpo (HB) de Pipistrellus coromondra e Pipistrellus kuhlii lepidus (n = 10) foi de 43 ± 0,11 mm e 45 ± 1,1, respectivamente. Pipistrellus kuhlii identificado morfologicamente e confirmado como Pipistrellus kuhlii lepidus com base em sequências de rRNA 16S. As sequências de DNA foram submetidas ao GenBank e os números de acesso foram obtidos (MN 719478 e MT430902). As sequências do gene 16S rRNA disponíveis de Pipistrellus coromondra e Pipistrellus kuhlii lepidus foram recuperadas do NCBI e incorporadas na análise da árvore N-J. No geral, as variações genéticas interespecíficas entre Pipistrellus coromondra e Pipistrellus kuhlii lepidus foram de 8% e 1%, respectivamente. Em nossa recomendação, uma identificação molecular abrangente de morcegos precisa de uma hora para relatar mais espécies crípticas e novas do Paquistão.

Time partitioning among neotropical frugivorous bats: effects of phylogeny, body size, and abundance / Distribución del tiempo entre murciélagos frugívoros neotropicales: efectos de la filogenia, el tamaño corporal y la abundancia

Abstract Introduction: Resource partitioning by promoting coexistence is essential to determine species richness and composition in natural communities. However, the partitioning of time has been questioned as a mechanism that promotes the coexistence of ecologically similar species. Objective: To determine the importance of the partitioning of time as a mechanism that promotes coexistence, we compared the activity patterns of tropical frugivorous bats. Methods: We captured bats with mist nets from sunset to sunrise in three study sites (tropical dry forest, wet forest, and rainforest) to calculate activity patterns of the species using Kernel density estimation. We used the superposition coefficient (Δ1) to compare activity patterns between (1) bat assemblages of study sites, (2) frugivorous species in the same site, and (3) populations of the same species among different sites. To determine whether the overlap in the activity patterns was related to the ecological similarity of species, we evaluated the association between Δ1 and similarity in abundances and body mass and phylogenetic closeness. Results: We found geographical variations in the overall activity patterns of the assemblages of the three localities. Likewise, we found variations in activity patterns between species at each study site and between populations in different study sites. Overlap in activity patterns tended to decrease as species were phylogenetically more closely related and similar in abundance and body size. Conclusions: Our results provide empirical support for the role of temporal segregation in activity patterns as a mechanism that promotes the coexistence of ecologically similar species in nature.

Resumen Introducción: La partición de recursos es esencial para determinar la riqueza y composición de especies en las comunidades naturales. Sin embargo, la segregacion temporal ha sido cuestionada como un mecanismo que promueve la coexistencia de especies ecológicamente similares. Objetivo: Con el fin de determinar la importancia de la segregación en los patrones de actividad, como mecanismo que promueve la coexistencia; se compararon los patrones de actividad de murciélagos frugívoros neotropicales. Métodos: Se capturaron murciélagos con redes de niebla desde el atardecer hasta el amanecer en tres localidades (bosque seco tropical, bosque muy húmedo y bosque lluvioso submontano) con el fin de calcular los patrones de actividad de las especies empleando la estimación de densidad Kernel. Se utilizó el coeficiente de superposición (Δ) para comparar patrones de actividad entre: (1) ensamblajes de murciélagos de los sitios de estudio, (2) especies frugívoras en el mismo sitio, y (3) poblaciones de la misma especie en diferentes sitios. Resultados: Se encontraron variaciones geográficas en los patrones de actividad de los ensamblajes en las tres localidades. Asimismo, se encontraron variaciones en los patrones de actividad entre especies en cada sitio y entre poblaciones en diferentes sitios. Determinamos que la superposición en los patrones de actividad disminuyó a medida que las especies estaban más relacionadas filogenéticamente, similares en abundancia y tamaño corporal; lo que sugiere una tendencia hacia la segregación temporal de especies ecológicamente similares. Conclusión: Estos resultados proveen apoyo empírico del papel de la segregación temporal en los patrones de actividad como un mecanismo que promueve la coexistencia de especies ecológicamente similares en la naturaleza.

Bat (Mammalia: Chiroptera) biodiversity in a subtropical inselberg ecosystem of Northeastern Argentina / Biodiversidad de murciélagos (Mammalia: Chiroptera) en un ecosistema inselberg subtropical del Noreste de Argentina

Abstract Introduction: Rocky outcrops influence both micro and macro habitat for plants and animals by increasing the availability and predictability of food, providing shelter, and unique microclimatic conditions. Objective: We describe the bat assemblage in three isolated rocky outcrops and their surrounding pediments, adding new data about trophic guilds and roosts. Methods: We surveyed the bat fauna of Paraje Tres Cerros, Corrientes Province, Argentina, exploring 13 sites during 26 field trips, using mist nets and search of roosts. We made an accumulation species curve and calculate inventory completeness. The similarity and composition of different habitats was compared by a Non-Metric Multidimensional Scaling (NMDS) and an ANOSIM test. Results: We reported 13 species, with a completeness inventory of the 80 % (Jacknife1), corresponding to the families Vespertilionidae, Molossidae and Phyllostomidae. The insectivorous bats were the best represented guild. We found nine types of roost for eight species in different sites. The analysis expressed low differences in the species composition between both types of habitats in the area. Conclusions: The rocky outcrops and their pediments are important ecosystems for the conservation and diversity of the bats in the region, since their assemblages are regionally unique.

Resumen Introducción: Los afloramientos rocosos influyen tanto en el micro como en el macro hábitat de plantas y animales al incrementar la disponibilidad de alimentos, proporcionar refugios y brindar condiciones microclimáticas únicas. Objetivo: Describir el ensamble de murciélagos en tres afloramientos rocosos aislados y sus pendientes circundantes, incorporando nuevos datos sobre gremios tróficos y refugios. Métodos: Muestreamos la fauna de murciélagos del Paraje Tres Cerros, provincia de Corrientes, Argentina, exploramos 13 sitios durante 26 viajes de campo, usando redes de niebla y búsqueda de refugios. Realizamos una curva de acumulación de especies y calculamos la completitud del inventario. La similitud y composición de diferentes hábitats se comparó mediante un escalado multidimensional no métrico (NMDS) y una prueba ANOSIM. Resultados: Reportamos 13 especies, con una completitud del 80 % del inventario (Jacknife1), correspondientes a las familias Vespertilionidae, Molossidae y Phyllostomidae. Los gremios mejor representados fueron los insectívoros. Encontramos nueve tipos de refugios para ocho especies en diferentes sitios. Los análisis expresaron bajas diferencias en la composición de especies entre ambos tipos de hábitats en el área. Conclusión: Los afloramientos rocosos y pendientes son ecosistemas importantes para la conservación y diversidad de los murciélagos en la región, ya que sus comunidades son regionalmente únicas.

Light microscopy and surface topography of Urotrema scabridum and Renschetrema indicum (Digenea) from Rhinopoma hardwickii (Chiroptera): first report in Egypt / Microscopia de luz e topografia superficial de Urotrema scabridum e Renschetrema indicum (Digenea) de Rhinopoma hardwickii (Chiroptera): primeiro relato no Egito

Abstract This report introduced the description of two different species of digenean parasites isolated from the intestine of Rhinopoma hardwickii with new host and locality records in Egypt. The recovered helminthes were studied morphologically and morphometrically by light microscopy and the surface topography of the two species was elucidated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Urotrema scabridum had an elongated body, testes were tandem, ovaries were pretesticular, and vitelline follicles were observed in 2 lateral fields. SEM showed that the anterior half was covered with random and backwardly directed tegument spines. The lumen of the oral sucker was as a longitudinal slit encircled with type I dome-shaped papillae. The ventral sucker was wrinkled and covered by tongue-shaped tegument spines and several scattered papillae. Renschetrema indicum had a fusiform body with minute spines densely distributed in the anterior part of the body; testes sub-triangular, ovary fusiform; vitellaria were randomly distributed around the ceca and genital organs. SEM showed that the fore-body was ventrally concave and surrounded by cytoplasmic ridges equipped with numerous closely packed claw-shaped spines. The oral sucker was externally surrounded by two circles of papillae while the lip of the ventral sucker was rounded and surrounded by three papillae located in its upper end and anterolaterally.

Resumo O trabalho descreve duas espécies diferentes de parasitas digêneos isolados do intestino de Rhinopoma hardwickii, com novos registros de hospedeiros e localidade no Egito. Os helmintos recuperados foram estudados morfologicamente e morfometricamente por microscopia óptica, e a topografia superficial das duas espécies foi verificada por microscopia eletrônica de varredura (MEV). Urotrema scabridum apresenta um corpo alongado, testículos em tandem, ovários localizados pré-testiculares e os folículos vitelinos foram observados em 2 campos laterais. A microscopia eletrônica (ME) mostrou que a metade anterior do tegumento estava coberta com espinhos aleatoriamente e voltados para trás. O lúmen da ventosa oral apresentava-se como uma fenda longitudinal cercada de papilas em forma de cúpula tipo I. A ventosa ventral estava enrrugada e coberta por espinhos no tegumento em forma de língua e com várias papilas dispersas. Renschetrema indicum tinha um corpo fusiforme com espinhos diminutos densamente distribuídos na parte anterior do corpo; testículos sub-triangulares, ovários fusiformes; as glândulas vitelínicas estavam distribuídas aleatoriamente em torno do ceco e dos órgãos genitais. À ME a região anterior mostrou-se ventralmente côncava e cercada por cristas citoplasmáticas equipadas com numerosos espinhos em forma de unhas muito próximos. A ventosa oral apresentou-se externamente cercada por duas fileiras de papilas, enquanto a borda da ventosa ventral mostrou-se arredondada e cercada por três papilas localizadas na sua extremidade superior e antero-lateralmente.

Morphology of the axial skeleton of seven bat genera (Chiroptera: Phyllostomidae)

ABSTRACT Here we present detailed descriptions and comparisons of the axial skeleton of seven species of bats belonging to five subfamilies of Phyllostomidae of different trophic guilds. The material examined consisted of 34 complete skeletons of seven species. For five of the studied species, previous descriptions have not been conducted, and for the vampires only limited information is available, so that descriptions for these species are here completed. The axial skeleton has characters that allow grouping of the species phylogenetically of the same subfamily and by feeding habits. At the same time, there are characters that associate species from different subfamilies with different types of diet or ways to obtain food.

Bat-borne rabis in latin america / Rabia transmitida por murciélagos en Latino América

The situation of rabies in America is complex: rabies in dogs has decreased dramatically, but bats are increasingly recognized as natural reservoirs of other rabies variants. Here, bat species known to be rabies-positive with different antigenic variants, are summarized in relation to bat conservation status across Latin America. Rabies virus is widespread in Latin American bat species, 22.5%75 of bat species have been confirmed as rabies-positive. Most bat species found rabies positive are classified by the International Union for Conservation of Nature as “Least Concern”. According to diet type, insectivorous bats had the most species known as rabies reservoirs, while in proportion hematophagous bats were the most important. Research at coarse spatial scales must strive to understand rabies ecology; basic information on distribution and population dynamics of many Latin American and Caribbean bat species is needed; and detailed information on effects of landscape change in driving bat-borne rabies outbreaks remains unassessed. Finally, integrated approaches including public health, ecology, and conservation biology are needed to understand and prevent emergent diseases in bats.

La situación de rabia en América es compleja: la rabia en perros ha disminuido drásticamente pero los murciélagos están siendo reconocidos cada vez más como reservorios naturales de otras variantes de rabia. Aquí compilamos las especies de murciélagos reconocidas como positivas a rabia con diferentes variantes antigénicas, así como su relación con el estado de conservación de los murciélagos a lo largo de América Latina. El virus de rabia está ampliamente distribuido en las especies de murciélagos de América Latina, 22.5% (75) de las especies de murciélagos conocidas han sido confirmadas como especies positivas a rabia. La mayoría de las especies de murciélagos reportadas como positivas a rabia son clasificadas por la Unión Internacional para la Conservación de la Naturaleza como “Preocupación Menor”. De acuerdo al tipo de dieta, los murciélagos insectívoros tuvieron la mayor cantidad de especies reconocidas como reservorio del virus rabia, mientras en proporción los hematófagos fueron los más importantes. Investigaciones a escala gruesa deben buscar entender aspectos de ecología de la rabia; es necesaria la información básica sobre la distribución y dinámica poblacional para muchas especies de murciélagos de América Latina y el Caribe; y el efecto del cambio del paisaje en la generación de brotes de rabia transmitida por murciélagos permanece sin ser evaluado. Por último, para entender y prevenir enfermedades emergentes a partir de los murciélagos es necesario un enfoque integral incluyendo salud pública, ecología y biología de la conservación.

Rabies surveillance in bats in Northwestern State of São Paulo

Introduction Rabies is an important zoonosis that occurs in mammals, with bats acting as Lyssavirus reservoirs in urban, rural and natural areas. Rabies cases in bats have been recorded primarily in urban areas in Northwestern State of São Paulo since 1998. This study investigated the circulation of rabies virus by seeking to identify the virus in the brain in several species of bats in this region and by measuring rabies-virus neutralizing antibody levels in the hematophagous bat Desmodus rotundus. Methods From 2008 to 2012, 1,490 bat brain samples were sent to the Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP) Rabies Laboratory in Araçatuba, and 125 serum samples from vampire bats that were captured in this geographical region were analyzed. Results Rabies virus was detected in the brains of 26 (2%) of 1,314 non-hematophagous bats using the fluorescent antibody test (FAT) and the mouse inoculation test (MIT). None of the 176 hematophagous bat samples were positive for rabies virus when a virus detection test was utilized. Out of 125 vampire bat serum samples, 9 (7%) had levels of rabies virus neutralization antibodies (RVNAs) that were higher than 0.5IU/mL; 65% (81/125) had titers between 0.10IU/mL and 0.5IU/mL; and 28% (35/125) were negative for RVNAs using the simplified fluorescent inhibition ...

Diversidad específica bacteriana en murciélagos de distintos gremios alimenticios en la sierra sur de Oaxaca, México

Specific bacterial diversity in bats of different food guilds in Southern sierra Oaxaca, Mexico. Bats have different ecologic roles in variable ecosystems that have been already described. They have been linked to several zoonoses, however little is known about the relationship between bat microbiota and their diet, and studies on the bacterial ecology of the microbiota in bats are limited. To contribute with the description of this important interaction between microbiota and host, the aim of this work was to characterize the composi- tion and bacterial diversity in the oral and anal regions of 10 species of bats, in relation to food guild. For this, monthly samplings were conducted using four mist nets (19:00-24:00h) from February to October 2012; nets were reviewed every 45 minutes. Each captured organism was sampled in the oral and anal cavities with sterile swabs; these were placed in pre-enrichment media and stored at 4°C. Bacterial samples were studied which through selective media, chromogenic and biochemical tests. We obtained samples from 502 frugivorous, 29 hematophagous and 11 nectivorous bats. We found a total of 26 bacterial species, with the predominant phylum Proteobacteria and the family Enterobacteriaceae. Statistically significant differences were observed between oral and anal microhabitats: frugivorous (t=-3.516, g.l=14.761, p=0.003), hematophagous (t=-3.320, g.l=19.262, p=0.003), and nectivorous (t=-2.497, g.l=11.933, p=0.026), and in some guilds [frugivorous and nectivorous in the anal region (t=2.274, g.l=29.660, p=0.030), hematophagous and nectivorous anal region (t=2.077, g.l=29.904, p=0.049)]. It was also shown that there is bacteria specificity in some guilds such as nectivorous and frugivorous with Bacillus cereus, B. sp. X. sp., as well as, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Serratia marcescens, Staphylococcus aureus, S. epidermis, Aeromonas hydrophyla in hematophagous. Bacterial presence can be explained by the type of diet and/or by transfer of bacteria from their preys. These bacteria may be indigenous to these bats and play the role of mutual benefit, providing the host with stable growth conditions and supplemental nutrients, while the microbiota contributes to host nutrition, development of the immune system, stabilization of the microbial population and to avoid pathogens colonization. By understanding the importance of the relation- ship between host and its bacterial populations, the conservation efforts being made to protect species such as bats may be improved.

Los estudios sobre ecología bacteriana de la micro- biota en los murciélagos son limitados, dicha información es importante para determinar la importancia de esta interacción entre microbiota y hospedero, por tal motivo el objetivo de este trabajo es caracterizar la composición y diversidad bacteriana en las regiones orales y anales de 10 especies de quirópteros con relación al gremio alimenticio a través de medios selectivos, cromogénicos y pruebas bio- químicas. Se muestrearon 502 murciélagos frugívoros, 29 hematófagos y 11 nectívoros, fueron encontradas un total de 26 especies bacterianas, siendo predominantes el filo proteobacterias y la familia Enterobacteriaceae. Se observaron diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre el microhabitat oral y anal [frugívoros (t=-3.516, g.l=14.761, p=0.003), hematófagos (t=-3.320, g.l=19.262, p=0.003), y nectívoros (t=-2.497, g.l=11.933, p=0.026), así como en algunos gremios (frugívoros e nectívoros en la región anal (t=2.274, g.l=29.660, p=0.030), hematófago y nectívoros en la región anal (t=2.077, g.l=29.904, p=0.049)]. También se mostró que existe especificidad de bacterias en algunos gremios como: Bacillus cereus, B. spp. X. spp. en nectívoros y frugívoros, así como, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Serratia marcescens, Staphylococcus aureus, S. epidermis, Aeromonas hydrophyla en hematófagos que podría deberse al tipo de dieta que llevan o por transferencia de bacterias al contacto con sus presas. Los murciélagos han sido relacionados con varias zoonosis, sin embargo poco se conoce sobre la relación que existe entre el murciélago, su micro- biota y la dieta que llevan. Estas bacterias pudieran ser autóctonas de los murciélagos y jugar un papel de mutuo beneficio, proveyéndole al hospedero condiciones estables de crecimiento y nutrientes complementarios, mientras que la microbiota contribuye en la nutrición del hospedero, desarrollo del sistema inmune, estabilizando la población microbiana y prohibiendo la colonización de patógenos. Entender la importancia de la relación entre el hospedero y su población bacteriana puede ayudar a mejorar los esfuerzos de conservación que se vienen realizando para proteger especies como los murciélagos.

Reproductive biology of the bat Sturnira lilium (Chiroptera, Phyllostomidae) in the Atlantic Forest of Rio de Janeiro, southeastern Brazil / Biologia reprodutiva do morcego Sturnira lilium (Chiroptera, Phyllostomidae), na Floresta Atlântica do Rio de Janeiro, sudeste do Brasil

Bats can be monoestrous or polyestrous, and seasonal or non-seasonal in their reproductive patterns. The strategy adopted by each species or population depends on the regional climate. The objective this study was to analyze reproductive data of Sturnira lilium from long-term sampling carried out in several sites in Rio de Janeiro states, southeastern Brazil. We carried out sampling in 42 sites (with altitudes ranging from sea level to 1300 m a.s.l.) from May 1989 to December 2011. In total, we obtained 2602 captures of S. lilium: 1242 captures of adult females, 1225 captures of adult males, and 136 captures of subadults. The sex ratio was 0.99 males: 1 female. The reproductive season varied from eight to twelve months a year, and it was not related to the total accumulated rainfall. Sturnira lilium have continuously polyestrous reproduction with postpartum estrus and pregnant females can be observed in all months except July. In the present study, the highest proportions of pregnant females were observed in the months with the highest rainfall.

Os morcegos podem ser monoestrais ou poliestrais e sazonais ou assazonais em relação aos padrões reprodutivos. A estratégia adotada por cada espécie ou população depende do clima regional. O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar os dados reprodutivos de Sturnira lilium em amostragem de longo prazo realizado em diversos locais do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, sudeste do Brasil. De maio de 1989 a dezembro de 2011, realizamos amostragens em 42 locais (com altitudes que variam de 0 a 1300 m de altitude). No total, obteve 2602 capturas de S. lilium: 1242 fêmeas adultas, 1225 machos adultos e 136 subadultos. A proporção sexual foi 0.99 machos: 1 fêmea. A temporada reprodutiva variou de oito a doze meses por ano e não foi relacionada com o total de precipitação acumulada. Sturnira lilium apresenta reprodução contínua poliéstrica com estro pós-parto e fêmeas grávidas podem ser observadas em todos os meses, exceto o mês de julho. No presente estudo, as maiores proporções de fêmeas grávidas ocorreram nos meses com maior precipitação.

Species diversity and activity of insectivorous bats in three habitats in La Virgen de Sarapiquí, Costa Rica / Diversidad y actividad de especies de murciélagos insectívoros en tres hábitats de La Vírgen, de Sarapiquí, Costa Rica

Pineapple farms make up 45 000ha of Costa Rican landscape and are the second most exported crop. This is economically beneficial for the Costa Ricans, but greatly affects the natural flora and fauna because it is such a low growing crop. This study examined the differences in insectivorous bat species diversity and activity in the habitat gradient between the forest in Tirimbina Biological Reserve in La Virgen de Sarapiquí, Heredia, Costa Rica and the nearby pineapple farm called Finca Corsicana. Over a four week period in March and April 2013, ultrasonic recorders were placed at different sites to pick up the bats’ calls. Then the recordings were analyzed to identify the species. There were four families present and 19 different species. There was a significant decrease in the number of bat passes (the number of times a bat passes the recorder) in the pineapple farm (x=22.6), in comparison to the border (x=39.9), and the forest (x=44.2) (p=0.0028). Agricultural environ- ments affected and lowered bat presence. Also, a greater mean number of bats recorded between 1900-1930hrs compared to 1730-1800hrs, coincided with the setting of the sun and beginning of bat activity. More research is need throughout the night and the year to establish clearer patterns of bat use and activity in different habitats.

Hay 45 000ha de piñeras en Costa Rica. La piña es la segunda fruta de mayor exportación en el país, por lo cual es muy importante para la economía. Este cultivo beneficia al país en términos económicos; no obstante, tiene efectos negativos en la flora y la fauna de áreas naturales al ser una planta herbácea de baja altura. Esta investigación examinó la diversidad y actividad de los murciélagos insectívoros en el gradiente entre un bosque (Reserva Biológica Tirimbina) y una piñera (Finca Corsi- cana) en la Virgen, Sarapiquí, Costa Rica. Durante cuatro semanas, puse grabadoras en tres sitios (bosque, borde de bosque y piñera) para grabar las llamadas de los murcié- lagos. Después analicé las llamadas para identificar las especies. Encontré cuatro familias y 19 especies. Hubo una reducción en el número de pases de murciélagos (número de veces que un murciélago vuela al lado de la grabadora) en la piñera (x=22.6), en comparación con el borde de bosque (x=39.9) y el bosque (x=44.2) (p=0.0028). El ambiente agrícola afectó y redujo la presencia de murciéla- gos. Familias diferentes parecen estar adaptadas a hábitats diferentes. Finalmente, un mayor número de murciélagos fueron registrados entre las 19:00 y 19:30 hrs, comparados con las 17:30-18:00 hrs, lo cual coincide con el atardecer y el inicio de la actividad nocturna de los murciélagos. Se necesita más investigación, tanto en horas nocturnas, como del resto del año, para entender mejor los patrones de actividad y el uso de diferentes hábitats.

Preferential prey selection by Desmodus rotundus (E. Geoffroy, 1810, Chiroptera, Phyllostomidae) feeding on domestic herbivores in the municipality of São Pedro - SP / Seleção de presas preferenciais por Desmodus rotundus (E. Geoffroy, 1810, Chiroptera, Phyllostomidae) alimentando-se de herbívoros domésticos no município de São Pedro - SP.

In order to verify possible preferential prey selection by Desmodus rotundus feeding on domestic herbivores in the Municipality of São Pedro (São Paulo, Brazil), vampire bat attacks were surveyed at rural properties where domestic herbivores were being raised and attack frequencies of D. rotundus on the total herd and on different species were calculated. The analysis found that the most frequently attacked herbivores were cattle and horses. The chi-square test (χ2), with a significance level of 5% corroborated the comparative analysis of attack frequency in properties that had these two species. Of the two, horses were attacked more frequently, which could be a sign that D. rotundus exhibits preferential prey selection when attacking domestic herbivores. This evidence is also supported by the Optimal Foraging Theory, in which the net rate of energy consumed is higher for horses than it is for cattle. Additionally, we propose that the thinner integument of horses (relative to that of cattle) may facilitate bites by D. rotundus and thus contribute to the observed prey preference.

A fim de verificar possível seleção de presa preferencial por Desmodus rotundus alimentando-se em herbívoros domésticos no Município de São Pedro (São Paulo, Brasil), foram pesquisados ataques de morcegos hematófagos em propriedades rurais nas quais os herbívoros domésticos estavam sendo criados e foram calculadas as frequências de ataques por D. rotundus no rebanho total e nas diferentes espécies. A análise mostrou que os herbívoros mais frequentemente atacados eram os bovinos e equinos. O teste do qui-quadrado (χ2) com um nível de significância de 5% corroborou a análise comparativa da frequência de ataque em propriedades que possuíam estas duas espécies. Destas duas, os cavalos foram atacados com maior frequência, o que poderia ser um sinal de que D. rotundus apresenta seleção de presas preferenciais ao atacar herbívoros domésticos. Esta evidência também é apoiada pela Teoria do Forrageamento Ótimo, em que a taxa de energia líquida consumida é maior para cavalos do que para o gado. Além disso, propomos que o tegumento mais fino de cavalos (em relação à de bovinos) pode facilitar a mordidas por D. rotundus e, assim, contribuir para a preferência da presa observada.

Microsatellites loci reveal heterozygosis and population structure in vampire bats (Desmodus rotundus) (Chiroptera: Phyllostomidae) of Mexico / Microsatélites revelan heterocigosidad y estructura poblacional de murciélagos vampiro (Desmodus rotundus) (Quiróptera: Phyllostomidae) de México

A limited number of studies have focused on the population genetic structure of vampire bats (Desmodus rotundus) in America. This medium-sized bat is distributed in tropical areas of the continent with high prevalence in forested livestock areas. The aim of this work was to characterize the vampire population structure and their genetic differentiation. For this, we followed standard methods by which live vampires (caught by mist-netting) and preserved material from scientific collections, were obtained for a total of 15 different locations, ranging from Chihuahua (North) to Quintana Roo (Southeast). Tissue samples were obtained from both live and collected animals, and the genetic differentiation, within and among localities, was assessed by the use of seven microsatellite loci. Our results showed that all loci were polymorphic and no private alleles were detected. High levels of heterozygosis were detected when the proportion of alleles in each locus were compared. Pairwise F ST and R ST detected significant genetic differentiation among individuals from different localities. Our population structure results indicate the presence of eleven clusters, with a high percentage of assigned individuals to some specific collecting site. Rev. Biol. Trop. 62 (2): 659-669. Epub 2014 June 01.

Muy pocos trabajos se han enfocado en el estudio genético de las poblaciones de vampiro (Desmodus rotundus) en América. Este murciélago de tamaño mediano se encuentra distribuido en las áreas tropicales de América, con una gran prevalencia en zonas de ganadería. La recolecta de tejidos se realizó mediante redes de niebla y en con ejemplares de colecciones, estas dan un total de 15 localidades. Mediante el uso de siete microsatellites, nosotros estudiamos la diferenciación genética dentro y entre localidades muestreadas, estas fueron desde Chihuahua en el norte, hasta Quintana Roo en el sureste. Todos los loci fueron polimórficos y no se encontraron alelos privados. Se encontraron altos niveles de heterócigos cuando se compararon la proporción de alelos en cada locus. Comparaciones pareadas de F ST y R ST mostraron una diferenciación genética entre los individuos de las diferentes localidades. Los resultados de estructura genética indican la presencia de once clusters, con un alto porcentaje de asignación de los individuos a las localidades en donde fueron recolectados.

Datos geográficos de los murciélagos (Chiroptera) en el Neotrópico / Geographic data for Neotropical bats (Chiroptera)

The global effort to digitize biodiversity occurrence data from collections, museums and other institutions has stimulated the development of important tools to improve the knowledge and conservation of biodiversity. The Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) enables and opens access to biodiversity data of 321 million of records, from 379 host institutions. Neotropical bats are a highly diverse and specialized group, and the geographic information about them is increasing since few years ago, but there are a few reports about this topic. The aim of this study was to analyze the number of digital records in GBIF of Neotropical bats with distribution in 21 American countries, evaluating their nomenclatural and geographical consistence at scale of country. Moreover, we evaluated the gaps of information on 1° latitude x 1° longitude grids cells. There were over 1/2 million records, but 58% of them have no latitude and longitude data; and 52% full fit nomenclatural and geographic evaluation. We estimated that there are no records in 54% of the analyzed area; the principal gaps are in biodiversity hotspots like the Colombian and Brazilian Amazonia and Southern Venezuela. In conclusion, our study suggests that available data on GBIF have nomenclatural and geographic biases. GBIF data represent partially the bat species richness and the main gaps in information are in South America.

Los esfuerzos globales para digitalizar los datos de ocurrencia de la biodiversidad en colecciones, museos y otras instituciones han estimulado el desarrollo de herramientas para mejorar el conocimiento y conservación de la biodiversidad. La “Global Biodiversity Information Facility” GBIF permite el acceso a más de 321 millones de registros, alojados en 379 instituciones. Los murciélagos neotropicales son un grupo muy diverso y especializado y la información geográfica del grupo se ha incrementado desde hace unos años, pero son pocos los reportes acerca del tema. El objetivo de este estudio fue analizar el número de registros disponibles en GBIF de los murciélagos neotropicales de 21 países de América. Por lo tanto, se evaluó la consistencia del nombre científico y la calidad geográfica a escala de país. Además, se evaluaron vacíos de información sobre una grilla de 1° latitud y 1° longitud. Hubo cerca de 1/2 millón de registros, de los cuales el 58% no incluyeron coordenadas geográficas; el 52% pasaron las dos evaluaciones. Se estimó que el 54% del área geográfica analizada no tiene registros; los vacíos están en centros de biodiversidad como la Amazonía y la Patagonia. En conclusión nuestros resultados sugieren que los datos disponibles en GBIF tienen sesgos geográficos y en los nombres científicos. Los datos de GBIF representan parcialmente las riquezas de murciélagos, además los principales vacíos de información se encuentran en América del Sur.

Efectos de la estructura del paisaje y de la vegetación en la diversidad de murciélagos filostómidos (Chiroptera: Phyllostomidae) de Oaxaca, México / Effects of landscape and vegetation structure on the diversity of phyllostomid bats (Chiroptera: Phyllostomidae) in Oaxaca, Mexico

The tropical forest fragmentation is known to affect the spatial structure of the landscape and habitat. These alterations can modify the attributes of bat assemblages, however, this phenomenon has been little studied and understood. In this work we evaluated the structure of landscape (i.e. composition and configuration) and vegetation, and its relationship with assemblage- and population-level characteristics of phyllostomid bats in a tropical rainforest of Southeastern Mexico. For this, we previously selected 12 sites located in continuous and fragmented forests, where bats were captured using mist nets during a two years sampling effort (144 nights). Bats relative abundance, species richness (diversity of order 0, 0D), Shannon diversity index (¹D) and Simpson index (²D) were evaluated in all sites, and their relationship with seven measures of landscape structure and seven measures of vegetation structure was described using a Hierarchical Partitioning Analysis. A total of 1 840 individuals of 29 species of phyllostomid bats were captured in this period. Differences in the assemblages were manifested only in the relative abundance and not in the richness of the species. The assemblages of fragmented forest exhibited greater variation in species composition and a greater abundance of frugivorous and nectarivorous bats in comparison with the assemblages of continuous forest. The landscape configuration was related to the assemblage- and population-level attributes, contrasting with previous studies where the composition was a key element. At habitat level, tree density and canopy cover determined the abundance of bats. Nectarivorous and frugivorous bats were mostly found in disturbed vegetation landscapes, primarily due to landscape configuration (e.g. edge density). This phenomenon could be a response to the availability of food in primary and intermediate successional stages, which are characterized by an abun-dance of food value.

La fragmentación de bisques tropicales altera la estructura especial del paisaje y del habitat . Estas alteraciones pueden modificar los atributos de las agregaciones de murciélagos, sin embargo este fenómeno ha sido poco estudiado y comprendido. Se evaluó la estructura del paisaje (i.e. composición y configuración) y vegetación, y sus relaciones con características a nivel de agregación (ensamble) y población de murciélagos filostómidos en una selva tropical del sureste de México. Se encontró que las modificaciones en las agregaciones solo se manifiestan en la abundancia relativa y no en la riqueza de especies. La configuración del paisaje fue un elemento relacionado con los atributos a nivel de ensamble y de población, contrastando con estudios previos donde la composición fue un elemento clave. A nivel de hábitat se encontró que la densidad arbórea y cobertura del dosel determinan la abundancia de murciélagos. Los murciélagos nectarívoros y frugívoros prefieren paisajes con vegetación alterada y están relacionados principalmente con la configuración del paisaje. Este fenómeno podría ser una respuesta a la disponibilidad de alimento en ambientes sucesionales primarios e intermedios, que se caracterizan por una alta proliferación de plantas con potencial alimenticio.

Histomorfometria testicular do morcego Phyllostomus discolor (Chiroptera: Phyllostomidae) em áreas de Mata Atlântica de Pernambuco / Histomorphometry Testis the bat Phyllostomus discolor (Chiroptera: Phyllostomidae) in areas of Atlantic Forest of Pernambuco

Este estudo analisou a condição reprodutiva, por meio da histomorfometria, de P. discolor coletados em fragmentos de Mata Atlântica do litoral sul de Pernambuco, durante as estações seca e chuvosa. Os animais são de coleção e foram classificados de acordo com a posição testicular (descendentes e não descendentes). Para as análises histomorfométricas, foram selecionados aleatoriamente 18 espécimes durante as estações seca e chuvosa, dos quais (n = 11) com testículos descendentes e (n = 7) com testículos não descendentes. Os resultados demonstraram que as maiores médias da área de ocupação dos túbulos seminíferos foram na estação chuvosa, independente dos espécimes apresentarem os testículos descendentes ou não. Isso pode estar relacionado a um maior investimento em produção espermática, já que na estação chuvosa, existe uma maior disponibilidade de alimentos devido às precipitações pluviométricas.

This study analyzed the reproductive condition, by histomorphometry, of P. discolor collected in forest fragments of the South Coast of Pernambuco during the dry and rainy seasons. The animals are Collection and were classified according to the position testicular (descendants and not descendants). For histomorphometric analysis, 18 were randomly selected specimens during the rainy and dry seasons, being (n = 11) with descendant testicles and (n = 7) with testicles no descendant. The results showed that the highest area average occupancy of the seminiferous tubules were in the rainy season, regardless of the present specimens the testes descendant or not. This may be related to a greater investment in sperm production, since the rainy season, there is a greater availability of food due to rainfall.

Characterization of Desmodus rotundus (E. Geoffroy, 1810) (Chiroptera, Phyllostomidae) shelters in the Municipality of São Pedro - SP / Caracterização de Abrigos de Desmodus rotundus (E. Geoffroy, 1810, Chiroptera, Phyllostomidae) no Município de São Pedro - SP

Surveillance of hematophagous bats is an important public health measure for the prevention and control of rabies epidemics in domestic herbivorous animals. The aim of this study was to locate and georeference D.rotundus shelters in the Municipality of São Pedro - SP, Brazil, and verify their nature (artificial or natural), surrounding landscape and distance from main rivers. To do this, two samples were taken of populations in shelters, with an interval of six months between them, capturing all the bats existent in shelters with fewer than 20 individuals and approximately 20% of the bats present in shelters with over 20 individuals in order to quantify their gender and age distribution. The majority of D. rotundus (67%) were verified to be artificial and the remainder (33%) natural. Of the six artificial shelters found, five were located in abandoned houses and one in a rain water drainage channel. There were no signs of D. rotundus in other rural buildings and viaducts located in the proximities of pastures. In spite of the majority of D. rotundus shelters being artificial, the three most populated shelters were maternity colonies, two being located in grottos and only one in an artificial shelter (rain water drainage channel). The remaining shelters were occupied by only male individuals. With the exception of one shelter, all the other shelters were at a distance of less than 3 km from the main bodies of water in the study area, corroborating studies that have reported that the main rivers in the State of São Paulo are the main geographic features related to the presence of D. rotundus. It was also verified that 67% of the shelters were inhabited by only male individuals, which confirms other studies conducted in the State of São Paulo, in which over 60% of the groups of Desmodus contain only male individuals.

A vigilância de morcegos hematófagos é uma importante medida de saúde pública para a prevenção e controle de epidemias de raiva nos herbívoros domésticos. O presente estudo teve como objetivos localizar e georreferenciar abrigos de D.rotundus no Município de São Pedro - SP e verificar sua natureza (artificial ou natural), paisagem de entorno e distância dos principais rios. Para isso, foram realizadas duas amostragens das populações nos abrigos, com intervalo de seis meses, capturando todos os morcegos existentes nos abrigos com menos de 20 indivíduos e aproximadamente 20% dos morcegos presentes nos abrigos com numero superior a 20 indivíduos a fim de quantificar sua distribuição sexual e etária. Verificou-se que a maioria dos abrigos de D. rotundus (67%) era artificial e os restantes (33%) naturais. Dos seis abrigos artificiais encontrados, cinco estavam localizados em casas abandonadas e um numa galeria de água pluvial, não havendo sinais de D. rotundus em outras construções rurais e viadutos localizados nas proximidades das pastagens. Apesar da maioria dos abrigos de D. rotundus serem artificiais, os três abrigos mais populosos eram maternidades, sendo que dois estavam localizados em grutas e apenas um em abrigo artificial (galeria de água pluvial). O restante dos abrigos era ocupado apenas por indivíduos machos. Com exceção de um, todos os outros abrigos estavam a uma distância inferior a 3 km dos principais corpos d'água da área de estudo, corroborando estudos que relatam que os principais rios do estado de São Paulo são as principais feições geográficas relacionadas à presença de D. rotundus. Também verificou-se que 67% dos abrigos eram habitados somente por indivíduos machos, o que confirma outros estudos realizados no Estado de São Paulo, em que mais de 60% dos agrupamentos de Desmodus contém somente indivíduos machos.

Seasonal variation of energy reserves and reproduction in neotropical free-tailed bats Molossus molossus (Chiroptera: Molossidae) / Variação sazonal das reservas energéticas e a reprodução do morcego neotropical de cauda livre Molossus molossus (Chiroptera: Molossidae)

Seasonal variation is a key factor regulating energy metabolism and reproduction in several mammals, including bats. This study aimed to track seasonal changes in the energy reserves of the insectivorous bat Molossus molossus associated with its reproductive cycle. Adult males were collected during the four neotropical annual seasons in Viçosa - MG, Brazil. Blood and tissues were collected for metabolic analysis and testes were removed for histology and morphometry. Our results show that liver and breast muscle glycogen concentrations were significantly lower in winter. The adiposity index was significantly higher in the fall compared to winter and spring. Seminiferous tubules were greater in diameter in animals captured in fall and winter, indicating a higher investment in spermatic production during these seasons. The percentage of Leydig cells was higher in summer compared to fall and winter. We suggest that M. molossus presents a type of seasonal reproduction with two peaks of testicular activity: one in fall, with higher sperm production (spermatogenesis), and another in summer, with higher hormone production (steroidogenesis). The metabolic pattern may be associated with reproductive events, especially due to the highest fat storage observed in the fall, which coincides with the further development of the seminiferous tubules.

A variação sazonal é um fator chave na regulação do metabolismo energético e da reprodução em vários mamíferos, incluindo os morcegos. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar as reservas energéticas do morcego insetívoro Molossus molossus ao longo das estações anuais associadas ao seu ciclo reprodutivo. Foram coletados machos adultos durante as quatro estações anuais na cidade de Viçosa - MG, Brasil. Para as análises metabólicas foram coletados tecidos e sangue, e os testículos foram removidos para análises histológicas e morfométricas. Os resultados mostram que as concentrações de glicogênio no fígado e músculo peitoral foram significativamente menores no inverno. O índice adiposo foi significativamente maior no outono em relação ao inverno e primavera. Os túbulos seminíferos apresentaram maiores diâmetros nos animais coletados no outono e inverno, indicando um maior investimento na produção espermática durante estas estações. A porcentagem de células de Leydig foi maior no verão em comparação com outono e inverno. Sugere-se que M. molossus apresenta um tipo de reprodução sazonal com dois picos de atividade testicular: uma no outono, com maior produção de espermatozóides (espermatogênese), e outra no verão, com maior produção de hormônio (esteroidogênese). O padrão metabólico pode estar associado a eventos reprodutivos, especialmente devido ao maior armazenamento de gordura observado no outono, que coincide com o desenvolvimento dos túbulos seminíferos.

Bat assemblages in conservation areas of a metropolitan region in Southeastern Brazil, including an important karst habitat / Assembleias de morcegos em areas de conservacao de uma regiao metropolitana no sudeste do Brasil, incluindo um importante habitat carstico

Species richness and abundance of bats were studied in four nature reserves, including a karst area which has many potential rocky shelters for bats, such as caves and rock crevices. The reserves were located in the greater Belo Horizonte metropolitan area, one of the most populated regions of Brazil, within the Atlantic Forest, and Cerrado (Brazilian savanna) ecological domains. Bats were sampled using mist-nets and, in the karst area, also by active searches in shelters. A total of 1,599 bats were captured representing 30 species belonging to four families. There was little similarity among the four chiropteran faunas. The greatest species richness was found in the karst area with 22 species recorded whereas richness estimates in the other areas indicated the need for further studies. Two hundred and sixty-five individuals of 14 species were captured from 56 shelters. Most of the shelters were frequently used for diurnal roosts, and all the bats found belonged to the Phyllostomidae, with the exception of Myotis nigricans (Vespertilionidae), Nyctinomops laticaudatus (Molossidae) and Peropteryx macrotis (Emballonuridae). The sanguinivorous Desmodus rotundus was the most common species in the shelters. The results of this study demonstrate the importance of maintaining multiple protected areas to ensure a representative fauna of bats in a region characterized by a vegetation transition zone and with intense economic activity and high environmental impact. This study also demonstrates the importance of rock shelters for maintaining local bat richness and the importance of active searches for bats in their diurnal roosts for a more thorough sampling of the bat fauna at a given locality.

Neste estudo, a riqueza e a abundância de espécies de morcegos foram estudadas em quatro reservas naturais, incluindo uma área cárstica com muitas cavernas e fendas em rochas, que constituem abrigos rochosos potenciais para os morcegos. As reservas encontram-se dentro da região metropolitana de Belo Horizonte-MG, uma das mais povoadas do Brasil, e dentro dos domínios de Floresta Atlântica e do Cerrado. Os morcegos foram amostrados com redes de neblina (mist-nets) e, na área cárstica, também foi realizada busca ativa por morcegos em seus abrigos. Foram capturados 1.599 morcegos de 30 espécies, pertencentes a quatro famílias. Houve pouca similaridade entre as faunas de quirópteros analisadas. A maior riqueza foi encontrada na área cárstica, com 22 espécies registradas com redes de neblina e em seus abrigos; entretanto, estimativas de riqueza indicaram a necessidade de mais estudos nas outras áreas. Do total amostrado, 265 indivíduos de 14 espécies foram capturados em 56 abrigos. A maioria dos abrigos era ocupada no período diurno e de uso frequente; os morcegos presentes eram filostomídeos, exceto Myotis nigricans (Vespertilionidae), Nyctinomops laticaudatus (Molossidae) e Peropteryx macrotis (Emballonuridae). O hematófago Desmodus rotundus foi o mais frequente nos abrigos. O resultado deste estudo indica a importância da manutenção de diferentes áreas para a conservação dos quirópteros em região caracterizada como zona de transição vegetacional e com intensa atividade econômica e impacto ambiental. Este estudo demonstra também a importância dos abrigos rochosos para a riqueza local de espécies e a importância de busca ativa por morcegos em seus abrigos diurnos para uma amostragem mais efetiva da fauna local destes quirópteros.

Desmodus rotundus and Artibeus spp. bats might present distinct rabies virus lineages

In Brazil, bats have been assigned an increasing importance in public health as they are important rabies reservoirs. Phylogenetic studies have shown that rabies virus (RABV) strains from frugivorous bats Artibeus spp. are closely associated to those from the vampire bat Desmodus rotundus, but little is known about the molecular diversity of RABV in Artibeus spp. The N and G genes of RABV isolated from Artibeus spp. and cattle infected by D. rotundus were sequenced, and phylogenetic trees were constructed. The N gene nucleotides tree showed three clusters: one for D. rotundus and two for Artibeus spp. Regarding putative N amino acid-trees, two clusters were formed, one for D. rotundus and another for Artibeus spp. RABV G gene phylogeny supported the distinction between D. rotundus and Artibeus spp. strains. These results show the intricate host relationship of RABV's evolutionary history, and are invaluable for the determination of RABV infection sources.