Resumen Introducción: La biodiversidad se está perdiendo a un ritmo acelerado como resultado del cambio global. Herramientas como los modelos de distribución de especies (MDEs) han sido ampliamente usados para mejorar el conocimiento sobre el estado de conservación de las especies y ayudar a desarrollar estrategias de gestión para mitigar la pérdida de biodiversidad. Objetivo: Determinar cómo la distribución potencial predicha por los MDEs para ocho especies de murciélagos amenazados difiere de los mapas de distribución reportados por la UICN. También, inferir el área de distribución y estado de endemismo de cada especie, y evaluar la importancia de la región tumbesina para su conservación. Métodos: Basados en registros de presencia del rango global de las especies, usamos MDEs para evaluar el estado de conservación de estas ocho especies en la región tumbesina de Ecuador y Perú. Resultados: Las áreas estimadas por los MDEs eran 35-78 % más pequeñas para cuatro especies (Eptesicus innoxius, Lophostoma occidentale, Platalina genovensium y Lonchophylla hesperia) y 26-1 600 % más grandes para tres especies (Amorphochilus schnablii, Promops davisoni y Rhogeessa velilla) que aquellas reportadas por la UICN. Para Tomopeas ravus, el área estimada por el MDE y la UICN fue similar, pero difirió en la distribución espacial. Los MDEs coincidieron con áreas de endemismo informadas por autores previos para E. innoxius, R. velilla y T. ravus, pero fueron diferentes para A. schnablii, P. genovensium, P. davisoni y L. hesperia, debido en parte a las distribuciones proyectadas para estas últimas especies en valles secos interandinos según los MDEs. Conclusiones: La región tumbesina representa una porción significativa (40-96 %) de la distribución predicha de siete de las ocho especies estudiadas, subrayando la importancia de esta región para la conservación de murciélagos. Nuestros resultados muestran las probables distribuciones para estas especies y proporcionan una base importante para identificar vacíos de investigación y desarrollar medidas de conservación para murciélagos amenazados en el punto caliente de biodiversidad de Tumbes.

Abstract Introduction: Biodiversity is being lost at an accelerating rate because of global change. Tools such as species distribution models (SDMs) have been widely used to improve knowledge about species’ conservation status and help develop management strategies to mitigate biodiversity loss. SDMs are especially important for species with restricted distributions, such as endemic species. Objective: To determine how potential distribution predicted by SDMs for eight threatened bat species differed from the distribution maps reported by the IUCN. Also, to infer the area of distribution and state of endemism of each specie, and to evaluate the importance of the Tumbesian region for their conservation. Methods: Based on presence records across the species’ entire ranges, we used SDMs to assess the conservation status of these eight species in the Tumbesian region of Ecuador and Peru. Results: The areas estimated by SDMs were 35-78 % smaller for four species (Eptesicus innoxius, Lophostoma occidentale, Platalina genovensium and Lonchophylla hesperia) and 26-1 600 % larger for three species (Amorphochilus schnablii, Promops davisoni and Rhogeessa velilla) than those reported by the IUCN. For Tomopeas ravus, the area estimated by the SDM and IUCN was similar but differed in spatial distribution. SDMs coincided with areas of endemism reported by previous authors for E. innoxius, R. velilla, and T. ravus, but were different for A. schnablii, P. genovensium, P. davisoni, and L. hesperia, due in part to projected distributions for these latter species in dry inter-Andean valleys according to the SDMs. Conclusions: The Tumbesian region represents a significant portion (40-96 %) of the predicted distribution of seven of the eight species studied, underscoring the importance of this region for bat conservation. Our results show likely distributions for these species and provide an important basis for identifying research gaps and developing conservation measures for threatened bats in the Tumbes biodiversity hotspot.

Resumen Introducción: La ganadería extensiva en áreas de bosque seco tropical (bs-T) ha causado la transformación de los ecosistemas naturales, y ha alterado la conducta de los organismos asociados, generando variación en los patrones de actividad. En murciélagos, el patrón conductual se ve afectado por la composición y estructura vegetal del ecosistema, y por la época climática (seca y lluviosa). Por lo que, se espera que en los sistemas convencionales de ganadería extensiva a diferencia de los silvopastoriles donde se favorece la heterogeneidad ambiental, determine la actividad de los murciélagos. Objetivo: Comparar los patrones de actividad de los murciélagos en sistemas de manejo convencional (SC) y silvopastoril (SSP) de ganadería extensiva asociados al bs-T en el Caribe colombiano. Métodos: Se comparó el patrón de actividad de los murciélagos en fragmentos de bs-T asociados a SC y SSP durante un ciclo anual. Se determinó el patrón de actividad diaria de 11 especies con registros mayores a 10 días en ambos sistemas de manejo de ganadería. Resultados: Un total de 2788 murciélagos fueron capturados, de seis familias, 22 géneros y 37 especies. Se registró mayor actividad de murciélagos durante la época de lluvias. Encontramos que a pesar de que los murciélagos presentan adaptación del comportamiento a los diferentes sistemas de manejo (excepto Carollia perspicillata, Dermanura phaeotis y Glossophaga soricina), en fragmentos de bs-T asociados a SSP se presenta mayor actividad de los murciélagos durante todo el año, con respecto a la actividad registrada en los SC. Igualmente, la única especie nectarívora evaluada, G. soricina, presentó también el menor valor de solapamiento entre los dos tipos de manejo SC y SSP. Conclusión: Los fragmentos de bs-T inmersos en SSP debido a la estructura del paisaje, podrían estar favoreciendo la oferta constante de recursos adecuados para la estabilidad del ensamblaje de murciélagos, en especial flores y frutos.

Abstract Introduction: Extensive cattle ranching in tropical dry forest areas (TDF) has caused the transformation of natural ecosystems and has altered the behavior of associated organisms, generating variation in activity patterns. In bats, the activity pattern is affected by the composition and vegetation structure of the ecosystem, and by the climatic season (dry and rainy). Therefore, it is expected that conventional extensive livestock systems, as opposed to silvopastoral systems where environmental heterogeneity is favored, determine the activity of bats. Objective: To compare the activity patterns of bats in conventional management systems (CS) and silvopastoral (SPS) of extensive cattle ranching associated with TDF in the Colombian Caribbean. Methods: The activity pattern of bats in TDF fragments associated with conventional and silvopastoral systems was compared within an annual cycle. The daily activity patterns of 11 species with records for over 10 days in both livestock management systems were determined. Results: A total of 2 788 bats were captured, from six families, 22 genera, and 37 species. Greater bat activity was recorded during the rainy season. We found that although bats show behavioral adaptation to the different management systems (except for Carollia perspicillata, Dermanura phaeotis and Glossophaga soricina), in TDF fragments associated with SPS there is greater bat activity throughout the year, compared to the activity recorded in CS. Likewise, the only nectarivorous species evaluated, G. soricina, also presented the lowest overlap value between the two types of management SC and SSP. Conclusion: The TDF fragments associated with SPS, due to the vegetation composition and structure, probably favor the constant supply of resources suitable for the bats’ assemblage stability, especially flowers and fruits.

Resumen La presencia de anticuerpos del virus de la rabia en murciélagos de América se asocia principalmente con especies hematófagas, sin embargo, este virus también se ha detectado con baja frecuencia en murciélagos con otros hábitos alimenticios. En México sucede lo mismo, aunque no se cuenta con información actualizada de las especies que han sido contagiadas por este virus. Debido a las implicaciones de salud pública que involucra el tema, en este estudio exploramos cómo se relaciona la presencia de la rabia detectada con base en anticuerpos específicos y por la presencia del virus de la rabia en murciélagos no hematófagos, con el hábito alimenticio, la familia a la que pertenecen, el tamaño del área de distribución y el tipo de refugio. Con base en una revisión de la literatura científica publicada de 1954 a 2015, se registraron siete familias, 24 géneros y 40 especies de murciélagos no hematófagos con el virus de la rabia en México. La mayoría son de hábitos insectívoros (63%) y pertenecen a las familias Phyllostomidae y Vespertilionidae (68%). La presencia de rabia se relaciona positiva y significativamente con el número de especies por familia (r = 0.9, p < 0.005) y el tipo de hábito alimenticio (r = 0.97, p < 0.002) pero no se relaciona con el tamaño de su área de distribución (r = 0.2, p = 0.2). Los casos de rabia en especies no hematófagas en México son escasos, y no representan un riesgo de transmisión al humano.

Abstract The presence of the rabies virus and antibodyes in bats from the Americas is mainly associated with hematophagous species; however, this virus has also been detected with low frequency in bats with other feeding habits. The same thing happens in Mexico, although there is no updated information on the species that have been infected by this virus. Due to the public health implications of the subject, in this study we explore how the presence of the rabies virus is related to eating habits, the family to which they belong, the size of the distribution area and the type of refuge used by bats. Based on a review of the scientific literature published from 1954 to 2015, seven families, 24 genera, and 40 species of non-hematophagous bats that have been detected with rabies virus in Mexico. Most are insectivorous (63%) and belong to the Phyllostomidae and Vespertilionidae families (68%). The presence of rabies is positively and significantly related to the number of species per family (r = 0.9, p < 0.005) and type of feeding habit (r = 0.97, p < 0.002) but is not related to the size of its distribution area (r = 0.2, p = 0.2). Cases of rabies in non-hematophagous species in Mexico are rare, and do not represent a risk of transmission to humans.

Resumen En este trabajo presentamos un listado actualizado de murciélagos del departamento de Cusco, basado en la revisión de colecciones científicas, bases de datos e investigaciones publicadas. Nuestros datos muestran que Cusco es una de las regiones con mayor diversidad de murciélagos en el país, registrando siete familias, 55 géneros y 114 especies, casi el 60% de las registradas para Perú. Esta diversidad incluye dos de las nueve especies endémicas registradas en Perú: Mormopterus phrudus y Anoura javieri. Según la legislación peruana, cinco especies están categorizadas como amenazadas, mientras que seis especies están listadas por la Unión Internacional para la Conservación de la Naturaleza (UICN). Adicionalmente, 10 especies son consideradas comunes y 27 están clasificadas como raras. El mapa de densidad de registros indica que la mayor concentración de registros se encuentra en la provincia de La Convención e identifica cuatro áreas con vacíos de información: 1) Sureste de Cusco, 2) Suroeste, abarcando las provincias de Chumbivilcas y Espinar, 3) Noroeste de La Convención, y 4) Noreste de La Convención. La lista proporciona datos de especies a nivel provincial, destacando los vacíos de información y actualizaciones sobre la distribución de especies en las ecorregiones, además se incluyen los mapas de distribución de todas las especies.

Abstract In this work, we present an updated list of bats from the Cusco department, based on the review of scientific collections, databases, and published research. Our data show that Cusco is one of the regions with the highest bat diversity in the country, recording seven families, 55 genera, and 114 species, nearly 60% of those recorded for Peru. This diversity includes two of the nine endemic species registered in Peru: Mormopterus phrudus and Anoura javieri. According to Peruvian legislation, five species are categorized as threatened, while six species are listed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Additionally, 10 species are considered common, and 27 are classified as rare. The density map of records indicates that the highest concentration of records is in the La Convención province and identifies four areas with information gaps: 1) Southeast of Cusco, 2) Southwest, encompassing the provinces of Chumbivilcas and Espinar, 3) Northwest of La Convención, and 4) Northeast of La Convención. The list provides species data at the provincial level, highlighting information gaps and updates on species distribution across ecoregions, besides is included the distribution maps of all species.

RESUMEN Las anomalías oculares causadas debido a lesiones, enfermedades o mutaciones genéticas generan la pérdida total o parcial de la visión, lo cual afecta el desarrollo y comportamiento normal de los individuos afectados en su entorno natural. En murciélagos, estos casos raramente son reportados. Además, es posible que en ocasiones los investigadores encuentren estas anomalías, pero no son reportadas debido a diversos factores. En este trabajo se documenta por primera vez a un individuo de Carollia perspicillata con anomalía ocular (inflamación ocular) en la República de Panamá, registrado en la Reserva Natural Privada Bunorgandi de la Provincia de Panamá.

ABSTRACT Ocular anomalies caused by injury, disease or genetic mutations result in total or partial loss of vision, which affects the normal development and behavior of affected individuals in their natural environment. In bats, these cases are rarely reported. In addition, it is possible that researchers occasionally encounter these anomalies, but they are not reported due to various factors. This paper documents, for the first time, an individual of Carollia perspicillata with an ocular anomaly (ocular inflammation) in the Republic of Panama, recorded in the Bunorgandi Private Nature Reserve in the Province of Panama.

ABSTRACT We report the currently existing 31 records for Austral Patagonian and Fuegian bats spanning from 1866 to 2022. The Vespertilionidae were: Myotis chiloensis, Histiotus magellanicus, and Lasiurus varius, and the Molossidae was Tadarida brasiliensis. The former two species were recorded at forested sites along a swath that runs NW-SE for about 670 km from Torres del Paine in continental Magallanes to Tierra del Fuego and Navarino islands. Those forests were Coihue-Canelo (Nothofagus betuloides-Drymis winteri), Coihue-Lenga (N. betuloides-N. pumilio), Lenga (N. pumilio-Maytenus disticha), or Ñirre shrubland (N. antarctica-Chiliotrichum difussum). Only one record for each of Lasiurus varius, Histiotus magellanicus, and Tadarida brasiliensis were located in steppe environments of Festuca gracillima-Chiliotrichum difussum but were centered at human habitations and surrounding orchards or plantations, and their presence therein may be deemed accidental.

RESUMEN Reportamos los 31 registros actualmente existentes de murciélagos patagónicos australes y fueguinos que abarcan desde 1866 hasta 2022. Los Vespertilionidae fueron: Myotis chiloensis, Histiotus magellanicus y Lasiurus varius, y el Molossidae fue Tadarida brasiliensis. Las dos primeras especies fueron registradas en sitios boscosos a lo largo de una franja que corre de Noroeste a Sureste por aproximadamente 670 km desde Torres del Paine en Magallanes continental hasta las islas de Tierra del Fuego y Navarino. Dichos bosques eran de Coihue-Canelo (Nothofagus betuloides-Drymis winteri), Coihue-Lenga (N. betuloides-N. pumilio), Lenga (N. pumilio-Maytenus disticha), o matorral de Ñirre (N. antárctica-Chiliotrichum difussum). Los pocos registros de los murciélagos Lasiurus varius y Tadarida brasiliensis fueron de estepas con Festuca gracillima-Chiliotrichum difussum pero se centraron en viviendas humanas y huertos o plantaciones circundantes, y pueden ser considerados accidentales.

SIGNIFICANCE: The scarcity of bat fossils in Africa poses a significant challenge to both scientific understanding and current conservation efforts. While this article engages in informed speculation regarding the reasons behind this scarcity, it does not lessen the importance of the issue. Without a robust fossil record, tracing the evolutionary history, biological adaptations, and historical ecological roles of bats becomes difficult. Understanding their past is instrumental in mitigating current threats to bats like habitat loss and climate change. Thus, the intriguing lack of a comprehensive fossil record not only limits scientific inquiry but also hinders effective conservation measures.

RESUMEN Se evaluó la frecuencia de infección por Trypanosoma spp. en murciélagos capturados en ecótopos silvestres y urbanos del Departamento del Atlántico, en la región Caribe de Colombia, entre marzo de 2021 y mayo de 2022. Se identificaron taxonómicamente los murciélagos y se determinó sexo, edad relativa y condiciones reproductivas. Se utilizó una muestra de sangre para análisis parasitológico y extracción de ADN para la amplificar una región del ARNr 18S. Se capturaron 125 murciélagos, siendo las familias más abundantes Molossidae (62/125; 49,6%) y Phyllostomidae (43/125; 34,4%). Molossus molossus capturado en ecótopos silvestres mostró una frecuencia de infección del 8,1% (5/61) y 4,1% (3/61) mediante análisis parasitológico y molecular, respectivamente. En comparación, Noctilio albiventris capturado en ecótopos urbanos mostró una frecuencia de infección del 16,6% (2/12) para ambos análisis. Estos hallazgos representan los primeros registros de M. molossus albergando Trypanosoma spp. para el Departamento del Atlántico y de N. albiventris albergando Trypanosoma spp. en Colombia.

ABSTRACT We conducted a study to evaluate the frequency of infection by Trypanosoma spp. in bats captured in wild and urban ecotopes in the Department of Atlántico in the Caribbean region of Colombia from March 2021 to May 2022. Bats were taxonomically identified, and sex, relative age, and reproductive conditions were determined. A blood sample was used for parasitological analysis and DNA extraction to amplify a region of the 18S rRNA. 125 bats were collected, with the most abundant families being Molossidae (62/125; 49.6%) and Phyllostomidae (43/125; 34.4%). Molossus molossus collected in wild habitats showed an infection frequency of 8.1% (5/61) and 4.1% (3/61) through parasitological and molecular analysis, respectively. In comparison, Noctilio albiventris collected in urban habitats showed an infection frequency of 16.6% (2/12) for both analyses. These findings represent the first records of M. molossus harboring trypanosomes for the Department of Atlántico and of N. albiventris harboring trypanosomes in Colombia.

Resumen: Antecedentes: La bromelia terrestre Puya ctenorhyncha es una especie endémica casi amenazada que crece entre los 2,500-4,050 m snm. Hipótesis: Los colibríes son los visitantes más importantes de esta planta dadas sus características morfológicas y florales. Sitio de estudio: El estudio se realizó en el “Camino de la Muerte”, situado en el bosque nublado montano de los Yungas, La Paz, Bolivia. Métodos: Monitoreamos un promedio de 216 individuos mensuales durante dos años (2018-2019), mediante observaciones de su biología fenológica. Asimismo, realizamos observaciones directas en plantas focales para cuantificar las visitas de animales. Resultados: La época reproductiva duró de abril a agosto en el primer año y de mayo a junio en el segundo. El volumen medio de néctar fue de 8,09 ± 1,59 μL por flor y su composición incluía fructosa, glucosa y 86 % de agua. Con 341 horas de observaciones, determinamos que Coeligena torquata (Trochilidae) es el principal visitante y polinizador putativo, seguido por C. violifer. Los machos de ambas especies fueron visitantes más frecuentes que las hembras. Coeligena torquata mostró la mayor actividad durante la tarde mientras que C. violifer fue más activa por la mañana. Conclusiones: La fenología floral parece ser anual y unimodal. Aunque los principales polinizadores parecen ser los colibríes, la concentración y composición del néctar es más similar a especies de bromelias de otros géneros que son polinizadas por murciélagos o aves paseriformes. Es importante evaluar, en estudios futuros, la dependencia de ambos colibríes y su respuesta de comportamiento a la planta.

Abstract Background: The terrestrial bromeliad Puya ctenorhyncha is a near-threatened endemic species that grows between 2,500-4,050 m asl. Hypotheses: Hummingbirds are the most important visitors of this plant given its morphological and floral traits. Study site: The study was carried out along the “Death Road”, located in the Yungas montane cloud forest, La Paz, Bolivia. Methods: We monitored an average of 216 individuals monthly for two years (2018-2019). Besides we conducted direct observations of focal plants to quantify the visits of animals. Results: The reproductive season lasted from April to August in the first year and from May to June in the second. The mean nectar volume was 8.09 ± 1.59 μL per flower and its composition included fructose, glucose, and 86 % of water. With 341 hours of observations, we determined that Coeligena torquata (Trochilidae) is the main visitor and putative pollinator, followed by C. violifer. Males of both species were more frequent visitors than females. Coeligena torquata showed the highest activity during the afternoon while C. violifer was more active in the morning. Conclusions: Floral phenology seems to be annual and unimodal. Although the main pollinators seem to be hummingbirds, the nectar concentration and composition is more similar to bromeliad species of other genera which are pollinated by bats or passerine birds. It is important to evaluate, in future studies, the dependence of both hummingbirds and their behavioural response towards the plant.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Bats are the only flight mammals, with around 1,400 species playing critical roles as pest controllers and nocturnal plant pollinators. However, its impact on human health has become increasingly evident, especially after the appearance of epidemic outbreaks of viral diseases related to these mammals. Objetive: To analyze the influence of bats on human health, focusing on their role as carriers of viral diseases and their potential as reservoirs and vectors of diseases. Methods: A literature bibliographical review was conducted using MeSH descriptors and keywords such as: Animals, Wild Chiroptera, Virus Diseases, Zoonosis, Disease Vectors, Disease Reservoirs, Public Health, bats, Communicable Disease Control, Disease Outbreaks, Prevention and Control. 1442 articles in databases and official documents were reviewed, selecting the relevant sources with Mendeley Desktop 1.19.4., obtaining 47 articles at the end. Results: There are several species of bats that can affect human health and that mainly harbor viruses from the Filoviridae families, Coronaviridae and Paramyxoviridae. Bats are considered optimal incubators for the spread of the virus due to their unique immune system that makes them particularly resistant to these infectious agents. Conclusions: Surveillance and monitoring of bats, together with public education actions and proper management of their habitats, are essential for early detection and prevention of transmission of new viruses from these mammals to humans.

RESUMEN Introducción: Los murciélagos se destacan por ser los únicos mamíferos voladores, con alrededor de 1 400 especies que cumplen un rol fundamental como controladores de plagas y polinizadores de plantas nocturnas. Sin embargo, su influencia sobre la salud humana se ha evidenciado cada vez más, en particular después del surgimiento de brotes epidémicos de enfermedades virales asociadas a estos mamíferos. Objetivo: Analizar la influencia de los murciélagos en la salud humana, centrándose en su papel como portadores de enfermedades virales y su potencial como reservorios y vectores de enfermedades. Métodos: Se realizó una revisión bibliográfica de la literatura utilizando descriptores MeSH y términos como: Animals, Wild Chiroptera, Virus Diseases, Zoonoses, Disease Vectors, Disease Reservoirs, Public Health, bats, Communicable Disease Control, Disease Outbreaks, Prevention and Control. Se revisaron 1 442 artículos en bases de datos y documentos oficiales, se seleccionaron las fuentes relevantes con Mendeley Desktop 1.19.4. y se obtuvieron al final 47 artículos. Resultados: Existen varias especies de murciélagos que pueden afectar la salud del ser humano y que albergan en especial virus de las familias Filoviridae, Coronaviridae y Paramixoviridae. Los murciélagos se consideran incubadoras óptimas para la propagación de virus debido a su sistema inmune único que lo hace resistente a estos agentes infecciosos. Conclusiones: La vigilancia y monitoreo de los murciélagos, junto con acciones de educación pública y una gestión adecuada de sus hábitats, son fundamentales para la detección temprana y prevención de la transmisión de nuevos virus de estos mamíferos a los humanos.

Resumen Las creencias, mitos e historias existentes en el ámbito simbólico de los murciélagos tienen una gran influencia en la valoración de las personas. El objetivo de esta investigación es conocer la percepción que existe entre los ejidatarios de El Bejucal sobre los murciélagos y el servicio ecosistémico de dispersión de semillas. Esta investigación se realizó en dos etapas, primero se aplicaron entrevistas semiestructuradas a los ejidatarios para conocer sus percepciones y posteriormente se impartió un taller de sensibilización con el objetivo de al final evaluar la efectividad de nuestras acciones de educación ambiental en los cambios de percepciones y conocimientos. Las entrevistas recabaron el conocimiento local sobre los murciélagos, los servicios que brindan y su presencia en la vida cotidiana de los entrevistados. Nuestros resultados demuestran la persistencia de prejuicios y mitos asociados a los murciélagos en las comunidades, lo que demuestra la necesidad de implementar estrategias de comunicación, educación y sensibilización ambiental, ya que es nuestra responsabilidad educar y devolver a las personas de los sitios donde trabajamos el conocimiento que estamos generando.

Abstract The existing beliefs, myths, and stories in the symbolic realm of bats have a great influence on the valuation of people. The objective of this research is to know the perception that exists among the inhabitants of the El Bejucal community about bats and the ecosystem service of seed dispersal. This research was performed in two phases, first, semi-structured interviews were applied to the inhabitants to learn about their perceptions, and then we gave an awareness workshop among them, and with the final aim to evaluate the effectiveness of our environmental education actions and the changes in perceptions and knowledge. The interviews gathered the traditional knowledge about bats, the services they provide, and their presence in the daily lives of the interviewees. Our results indicate how prejudices and myths associated with bats persist in communities, which evidences the need to implement communication and environmental education since it is our responsibility to educate and return the people who live in the sites where we work the knowledge we are developing.

BACKGROUND Bat-borne hantaviruses have been identified worldwide but little is known about neotropical bats in the megadiverse biomes of the American continent. Although serological evidence has hinted at hantavirus circulation in Brazil, the scarce number of genomic detection represents a gap to understand viral diversity, prevalence, and ecology of bat-borne hantaviruses. OBJECTIVE We aim to investigate and evaluate the presence and prevalence of bat-borne hantavirus in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. METHODS Here in, 97 lung and kidney tissue samples from bats captured in the Brazilian Atlantic Rainforest were submitted to hantavirus-specific nested reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) targeted the hantaviral L segment and metagenomic analysis. FINDINGS Hantavirus RNA was detected in five tissue fragments of 20 Seba’s short-tailed bats (Carollia perspicillata). Phylogenetic analysis, based on partial L-segment sequence using maximum likelihood method, demonstrated that the identified virus formed a monophyletic clade and a highly divergent bat-borne lineage comprising other recent strains found in the genus Carollia from South America. MAIN CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest the presence of a novel bat-borne hantavirus in Brazil, tentatively named Mamanguape virus (MGPV). Additional genomic data will help to extend our knowledge about the classification of MGPV within the Hantaviridae family and the evolution origins of new world bat-borne hantaviruses. Batborne Bat borne continent Brazil diversity batborne bat Forest 9 hantavirusspecific specific transcriptionpolymerase transcription polymerase RTPCR RT PCR (RT-PCR analysis 2 Sebas Seba s shorttailed short tailed perspicillata. perspicillata . perspicillata) Lsegment method America MGPV. (MGPV) (MGPV

Abstract Night-blooming cacti, primarily pollinated by bats and hawkmoths, also attract beetles seeking food and safe shelter for mating and brooding their offspring. The influence of flower density on beetle visitation rates remains unclear, with responses varying by species and environmental factors. In the Caatinga Seasonally Dry Tropical Forest, we studied the flower occupancy distribution of two beetle species, Cyclocephala paraguayensis and Nitops aff. pilosocerei, in Pilosocereus pachycladus cacti. Our findings indicate that both beetle species act as commensals with minimal impact on effective pollination. They forage for nectar and pollen without causing damage to pistils or ovaries. N. aff. pilosocerei was more abundant than C. paraguayensis, and their distributions significantly differed, with N. aff. pilosocerei displaying a more uniform spread. Instances of both species occupying the same flower were more frequent than exclusive occupation. Nitops aff. pilosocerei abundance exhibited spatial autocorrelation. Flower height and beetle species influenced the total number of beetles within flowers. Future studies should explore the impact of cactus flower distribution on beetle abundance with other species, conduct selective pollination experiments to determine their role as pollinators, and investigate how flower-beetle interaction systems are affected by flower and individual distribution in processes like florivory and pollination. Nightblooming Night blooming cacti hawkmoths offspring unclear factors Forest aff ovaries N C differed spread occupation autocorrelation flowers pollinators flowerbeetle

ABSTRACT The knowledge of the bat fauna from Minas Gerais, the largest state in southeastern Brazil, has greatly changed in recent years due to increased sampling and taxonomic revisions with reports of range extension and/or new species descriptions. The first annotated list of bats for the state dates to over 10 years ago. Our study aimed to update it by incorporating new localities sampled since then and by adding new species records to the list. We also conducted a comprehensive review of the literature and museum databases and analyzed 691 specimens collected in the state from all mesoregions and ecosystems deposited in collections. We documented the occurrence of 99 bat species from nine families, distributed in 181 municipalities, covering all mesoregions and biomes of the state. This is an increment of 30% in bat richness and of 241% in locality sites with bat records in Minas Gerais, when compared with the previous compilation. We report two previously unrecorded species for the state, the phylostomids Rhinophylla pumilio Peters, 1865 and Trinycteris nicefori (Sanborn, 1949). The mesoregions with the largest number of bat collection localities were “Metropolitana” (46), “Zona da Mata” (26), and “Norte de Minas” (21). The Atlantic Forest had the largest number of collection sites compared to the other biomes present in the state (102). There are a lot of sampling gaps in the state, and most of the conservation areas have not yet been sampled for bats. In face of that and based on the recent findings of several new species and records as a result of sampling and revisionary efforts, we suggest the implementation of rapid survey programs accompanied by taxonomic studies within the conservation units of Minas Gerais. Long-term monitoring programs, including bats, are also completely missing in the state. Gerais Brazil andor or descriptions 1 ago 69 collections 9 families 18 municipalities 30 241 compilation Peters 186 Sanborn, Sanborn (Sanborn 1949. 1949 . 1949) Metropolitana “Metropolitana 46, 46 , (46) Zona Mata 26, 26 (26) Norte 21. 21 (21) 102. 102 (102) efforts Longterm Long term 6 3 24 194 4 (46 2 (26 (21 (102 19 (4 (2 (10 ( (1

Abstract Frugivore bats are important seed dispersers in forests and their abundance are associated with the presence of zoochoric plants. In this context, the aim of our study was to investigate the association of the frugivore bat S. lilium with the diaspores of the zoochoric plant S. mauritianum, a common arboreal species present in forest fragments of southern Brazil. We also investigated the diet of the species based on seed content present in feces of individuals. Bats were mist-netted from November 2017 to April 2018 in a fragment of Atlantic Forest. The proportion of immature and mature diaspores of S. mauritianum was estimated in the same area where bats were sampled, and feces were sampled from captured individuals. In total, 61 individuals of S. lilium were captured, and 795 seeds were sampled from their feces. The abundance of S. lilium was significantly associated with the proportion of immature diaspores of S. mauritianum. We identified seeds of two botanical families: Solanaceae (89%) and Moraceae (11%) in the fecal samples. Our findings support the view that S. lilium is a legitimate disperser of S. mauritianum, and that its ecological function is probably a result of co-adaptation. plants context S Brazil mistnetted mist netted 201 Forest total 6 79 families 89% 89 (89% 11% 11 (11% samples coadaptation. coadaptation co adaptation. adaptation co-adaptation 20 7 8 (89 1 (11 2 (8 (1 (