Ingrith Yuliany Mejia Fontecha
Insectivorous bats play an essential role in controlling arthropods of agricultural and sanitary importance; however, they are vulnerable to changes and modifications in their habitat. The genus Eptesicus is widely distributed and includes a surprising number of cryptic species. In Argentina, ten species are known, five of which belong to the subgenus Histiotus. However, there is little information on the distribution limits, taxonomy, biogeography, and assessment of the conservation status of most species.
Capture of Histiotus Individuals in Chubut Province: (A) H. magellanicus. ©Francisca Cunha.
This project aims to improve knowledge about these species through molecular marker analysis, geographic distribution, and niche modelling.For this purpose, we will use next-generation sequencing techniques (RADseq) and gen mitochondrial (mtDNA), which provide a large amount of molecular data that can be used to delimit species, resolve their phylogenetic relationships, and learn how genetic diversity is geographically distributed. Additionally, we will compile geographic information available in databases and obtained in the field to carry out current and potential niche modelling. This analysis will allow us to assess threats and evaluate priority regions for the conservation of species under scenarios of climate change.
Header: Placement of mist nets by the research team across different regions of the country: (A) Burruyacú area, Tucumán province. ©Francisca Cunha.