Biological diversity of bats in tropical dry forest remnant from Managua and Carazo, Nicaragua

Abstract

Bats belong to a group of mammals that are economically and ecologically important for humans and for the rest of the organisms with which they share habitats. The objective of this research is to generate information related to the biological diversity of bats as a contribution to the knowledge of bats in the six Private Wildlife Reserves (Managua and Carazo), which will serve as a basis for conservation initiatives and efforts. In order to achieve the objectives, five mist nets (3m x 6 m) were established in open and closed forests in six private wildlife reserves, totaling 209.58 hours of net exposure. The captured bats were identified and released, and the field information was complemented with a bibliographic review regarding feeding guilds, habitat preferences, conservation status and indicator value (environmental bioindicator). A total of 217 individuals were captured, which were distributed in 15 species, 10 genera and three families (Mormoopidae, Phyllostomidae and Vespertilionidae); the most represented genera according to the number of species were Carollia (three species), Glossophaga (two) and Artibeus (two), of the 15 species, 11 were found in the open forest and 13 in the closed forest; however, the differences were not relevant. With the information collected in this study, no significant differences in richness, abundance, or diversity were determined between open and closed forests. Two species were relevant according to their conservation status and their indicator value, among which the species Vampyrum spectrum is recognized as potential to be used as a biological indicator in conserved areas.