Filling Spatial and Ecological Information Gaps in Threatened Forest-Sensitive Bat Species and Endangered Ecosystems in Nicaragua

12 Oct 2023 Región Autónoma Costa Caribe Norte, Nicaragua, Central and Latin America Mammals | Forests | Habitats | Bats | Education

José Gabriel Martínez-Fonseca

Nicaragua and its 111 bat species make it one of the most bat-diverse countries in the world. However, Nicaragua also suffers from high deforestation rates and many unique vegetation types are threatened and understudied. Bats play important roles in maintaining ecosystem function including pollination, seed dispersal, forest regeneration, and prey control. This project will focus on surveying and filling spatial data gaps for predatory bats (subfamily Phyllostominae) in understudied and endangered vegetation types. These data will inform and complement a country-wide landscape analysis that will contribute to a better understanding of bat-habitat associations. Furthermore, using genetic techniques, we will collect guano to determine diet leading to a better understanding of the ecological requirements of these bat species. We will use this information to describe the diet and ecology of these species, linking it to habitat requirements and helping inform conservation efforts that are better targeted to rare, at risk, or understudied species.

Short tailed bats in San Juan de Limay Cave. © José Gabriel Martínez-Fonseca.

Short tailed bats in San Juan de Limay Cave. © José Gabriel Martínez-Fonseca.

This project will train Nicaraguan biologists and students in bat research, technology, and methodology, including data collection, data analysis, and interpretation of results. This is fundamental to increasing bat research and improving management and conservation in the country. Techniques will include live bat capture, DNA sample collection for diet analysis, and landscape-scale data collection and analysis.

Header: Toltec Fruit-eating Bat.

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