Phyllostomid bats and their diets at Urucum Massif, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
Porfirio, GrasielaBordignon, Marcelo Oscar
Frugivorous bats are important components of the natural environment since they perform essential roles in the maintenance of ecosystems, such as seed dispersal and the pollination of several plant species. This study aimed to describe the diversity of the Family Phyllostomidae and the diet of these bats at Urucum Massif in the municipality of Corumbá, Mato Grosso do Sul. Captures were carried out using mist nets, from April to September 2004, in different vegetation types found within the study area. The captured bats were placed in individual cotton bags where they were allowed to defecate. The collected feces were washed and treated before their contents were identified using specialized keys. Bats were released back at their respective capture points on the night following capture. A total of 83 bats belonging to nine species of the Family Phyllostomidae were captured. The most abundant phyllostomids were Platyrrhinus lineatus, Carollia perspicillata and Artibeus lituratus. The most frequently consumed plants were represented by three families that are considered pioneer species: Cecropiaceae, Piperaceae and Moraceae. Since the study site is strongly impacted by mining activities, we recommend special attention be given to the conservation of bats that occur in the region due to their contribution to the regeneration of areas degraded by mining. (AU)