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Neotropical bats of the genus Carollia are widely studied due to their abundance, distribution and relevance for ecosystems. However, the ecomorphological boundaries of these species are poorly differentiated, and consequently correspondence between their geographic distribution, ecological plasticity and morphological variation remains unclear. In this study, patterns of cranial and mandibular morphological variation were assessed for Carollia brevicauda, C. castanea and C. perspicillata from Colombia. Using geometric morphometrics, morphological variation was examined with respect to: differences in intraspecific variation, morphological modularity and integration, and biogeographic patterns. Patterns of intraspecific variation were different for each species in both cranial and mandibular morphology, with functional differences apparent according to diet. Cranial modularity varied between species whereas mandibular modularity did not. High cranial and mandibular correlation reflects Cranium-Mandible integration as a functional unit. Similarity between the biogeographic patterns in C. brevicauda and C. perspicillata indicates that the Andes do not act as a barrier but rather as an independent region, isolating the morphology of Andean populations of larger-bodied species. The biogeographic pattern for C. castanea was not associated with the physiography of the Andes, suggesting that large body size does not benefit C. brevicauda and C. perspicillata in maintaining homogeneous morphologies among populations.

Unsustainable fisheries practices carried out in large parts of the Amazon, Tocantins, and Orinoco basins have contributed to the decline in the populations of the Amazon River dolphins ( Inia spp.), considered Endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Amazon River dolphin byproducts are often obtained through unregulated fisheries and from stranded and incidentally caught individuals that are traded for the flesh and blubber used for Calophysus macropterus fisheries, traditional and other medicinal purposes, and more recently for human consumption. To identify localities of use of Amazon River dolphins, we conducted a systematic review of the related literature published since 1980, complemented with structured surveys of researchers that allowed the identification of 57 localities for uses of Inia (33 in the Amazon, two in the Tocantins, and 22 in the Orinoco basins), and two more on the Brazilian Atlantic coast, with recent reports of targeted consumption in the upper Orinoco River. Subsequently, the localities of use or bushmeat markets where Amazon River dolphin byproducts are trafficked were identified. This information was integrated with a kernel density analysis of the distribution of the Inia spp. populations establishing core areas. Our spatial analysis indicated that the use of Inia spp. is geographically widespread in the evaluated basins. It is urgent that decision-makers direct policies towards mitigating the socioeconomic and cultural circumstances associated with illegal practices affecting Amazon River dolphin populations in South America.

The jaguar ( Panthera onca ) is a charismatic species considered Vulnerable in Colombia but yet largely unknown in the country. The species is mostly threatened by the continuous decline in its habitats, mostly derived from deforestation and habitat loss, additional to hunting and conflicts with humans. Thus, the future of jaguars in Colombia depends on protecting and recovering existing habitats. The aims of this study were to 1) evaluate jaguar distribution and identify the remnant patches of habitat in Colombia, 2) define an ecological connectivity network within the country, and 3) propose a priority areas portfolio for the conservation and recovery of jaguars. We used a presence background model for estimating species potential distribution and subsequently identified remaining habitat patches across the country based on land cover and species-specific ecological attributes. We then created an ecological connectivity network based on circuit theory and following a multi-criteria approach identified jaguar priority areas for conservation (JPCA) and recovery (JPRA). Jaguar potential distribution comprises 1103122.43 km 2 , from which 56.71% maintain suitable patches of potential habitat. We identified 960 corridors between remnant patches of natural or semi-natural vegetation. Based on the criteria, JPCAs with greater importance were identified in each of the five Colombian regions. JPRAs were located mainly towards the Andean and Caribbean regions. These JPCAs and JPRAs could serve as a guide for designing and implementing management strategies for the long-term conservation and recovery of the species in Colombia.

Introduction: Bats have become an epidemiologically significant source of pathogenic microorganisms, such as leptospires, the causative agents of leptospirosis. However, little information exists about bats and their potential role as a reservoir of pathogenic Leptospira spp. in Colombia. The aim of this study was to evaluate the presence of pathogenic Leptospira spp. in the kidneys of bats from the Caribbean region of Colombia deposited in the collection of mammals of the Museo Javeriano de Historia Natural (MPUJ-MAMM). Methodology: DNA was extracted from twenty-six kidney samples from a total of 13 species of bats captured in Colombia. First, 16S ribosomal RNA conventional PCR was performed to detect the presence of Leptospira spp. Then, in samples that tested positive, LipL32 PCR was performed to detect pathogenic Leptospira spp. by sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. Results: The presence of Leptospira spp. was observed in 7/26 (26.9%) bats from the following 6 species: Carollia perspicillata, Glossophaga soricina, Dermanura phaeotis, Uroderma bilobatum, Desmodus rotundus, and Lophostoma silvicolum, and pathogenic Leptospira spp. were detected in 4/26 samples (15.4%). Conclusions: This study suggests that bats present in the Caribbean region of Colombia could be potential reservoirs of pathogenic Leptospira spp.

In many vertebrates, ritualized behaviors serve to settle conflicts while minimizing the risk of injury. The Jamaican fruit bat (Artibeus jamaicensis) is a polygynous species that roosts in caves, where dominant males form and defend harems by displaying agonistic behaviors against satellite males attempting to mate with females. We examined how the distance of satellite males from the harem and the number of females influenced the latency of approach by dominant males during agonistic encounters, and whether these encounters follow a defined behavioral sequence. We analyzed 50 agonistic interactions from video recordings of A. jamaicensis harems collected between May and October 2021 in “Cantil Blanco” cave, Veracruz, Mexico. We quantified the number of females per harem and measured the distance of satellite males to the nearest female just before the dominant male initiated an approach. Our results show that satellite male distance determined dominant male approach latency, reflecting a minimum tolerable distance, whereas harem size had no effect. Furthermore, the succession of behaviors observed indicates that these encounters are sequential, escalating from ritualized displays to physical aggression.

Purpose Cryptosporidiosis is a zoonotic infectious disease caused by the protozoan parasite Cryptosporidium spp., frequently found in several animal species, including bats. Several Cryptosporidium genotypes have been described in bats worldwide, suggesting that bats are infected by host-specific Cryptosporidium spp. To date, there are no published reports about Cryptosporidium spp. in bats from Colombia. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the presence and molecular diversity of Cryptosporidium spp. in Colombian bats. Methods A total of 63 gut samples from three bat species served for molecular detection of Cryptosporidium spp. 18S rDNA gene by qPCR. The sequenced amplicons were used in subsequent phylogenetic analyses to identify them as species or genotypes. Results Cryptosporidium spp. qPCR detection occurred in 9.5% (6/63) of bat intestines, and four sequences represented two new genotypes, called Cryptosporidium bat genotypes XIX and XX, were identified. Conclusions This study describes the detection of two novel Cryptosporidium bat genotypes, in two species of bats from a region of Colombia, requiring further studies to determine the relationhip between Cryptosporidium and bats in Colombia.

The establishment of extensive livestock systems in the Colombian Caribbean Region has historically generated a strong loss of the tropical dry forest (TDF) with negative effects on biodiversity. Currently, the implementation of silvopastoral systems (SPS) has been proposed with strategy to curb the loss of biodiversity caused by the conventional management system (CS). The objective was to evaluate the effect of SPS and CS of extensive livestock on the assemblage of bats associated with fragments of TDF. During a continuous year and a sampling effort of 30,240 h-net/night, the structure and composition of bat assemblage between SPS and CS were compared. 2788 bats belonging to six families, 23 genera, and 39 species were captured. The Phyllostomidae family presented the highest species richness (S = 30), with the greatest abundance in the Stenodermatinae subfamily (n = 1543). Bat assemblage in the SPS fragments was more equitable; and the relative abundance per species, per genera, and per foraging guilds was also significantly higher. The capture success showed significant variations between the climatic seasons (dry and rainy). The rate of species turnover was higher in the CS fragments. The species Artibeus planirostris, Artibeus lituratus, Carollia perspicillata, Carollia castanea, Phyllostomus discolor, Dermanura phaeotis, Uroderma convexum, Glossophaga soricina, C. brevicauda, and Sturnira lilium accounted for 92% of the captures. In conclusion, frugivorous bats were more abundant in the SPS, type of extensive livestock management that can generate greater temporal stability of bat assemblage. This research provides the first scientific evidence of the positive effect of silvopastoral management on the diversity of bats in tropical dry forest areas of the Colombian Caribbean region.

Leptospirosis is caused by pathogenic Leptospira spp., which can be found in nature among domestic and wild animals. In Colombia, the Macaregua cave is known for its bat richness; thus, because bats are reservoir hosts of human microbiological pathogens, we determined if the Macaregua cave bats harbored Leptospira in the wild. A total of 85 kidney samples were collected from three bat species (Carollia perspicillata, Mormoops megalophylla, and Natalus tumidirostris) to detect Leptospira spp. The 16S rRNA gene was targeted through conventional PCR and qPCR; in addition, the LipL32 gene was detected using conventional PCR. Obtained amplicons were purified and sequenced for phylogenetic analysis. The Leptospira spp. 16S rRNA gene was detected in 51.8% bat kidneys, of which 35 sequences were obtained, all clustering within the pathogenic group. Moreover, 11 sequences presented high-identity-values with Leptospiranoguchii, Leptospiraalexanderi, Leptospiraborgpetersenii, Leptospirakirschneri, and Leptospiramayottensis. From the 16S rRNALeptospira spp.-positive population samples, 28 amplified for the LipL32 gene, and 23 sequences clustered in five different phylogenetic groups. In conclusion, we detected the circulation of different groups of Leptospira spp. sequences among cave bats in the wild; some sequences were detected in more than one bat specimen from the same species, suggesting a conspecific transmission within the cave.

When fruit bats forage, they serve an important ecological function, such as seed dispersal. Although several authors have approached the significance of bats in generating ecosystem services, there is a gap in understanding the importance of the seed dispersal by fruit bats for ecosystems and society. To fill this gap, we considered different components, such as ecosystem service drivers, functional ecosystem services, structural ecosystem services, and ecosystem services to humans. By taking two agroecosystems from the Colombian Andean region (mixed crops and extensive livestock) as the study cases, the following methodological approach was applied: (i) sampling of frugivorous bats (driver) present in the agroecosystems; (ii) identification of plants dispersed by bats (functional ecosystem services) in each agroecosystem; (iii) identification of the uses given to the plants spread (ecosystem services to humans). Finally, the plants spread by bats were considered drivers for soil fertility as well. In line of this, this research is the first in proposing a “causality chain approach” regarding the generation of ecosystem services by focusing on bat-dispersed plants. The research highlights that the diversity in frugivorous bats, the plants spread by bats, and the number of uses made of these plants were higher in mixed crops.

La ganadería extensiva ha afectado significativamente la biodiversidad y conservación del bosque seco tropical (bs-T), hoy considerado el ecosistema más amenazado en las tierras bajas tropicales. Se analizó la composición florística, riqueza y estructura de fragmentos de bs-T asociados a sistemas de ganadería extensiva en cuatro localidades del departamento de Córdoba, Colombia. Se realizaron muestreos en cuatro parcelas de 0,1 ha/fragmento según el método de Gentry, modificado para incluir todos los individuos con DAP ≥ 1 cm. Se determinó el índice de valor de importancia por especie (IVI), el índice de valor de importancia por familia (IVIF), y la tasa de recambio de especies. Se registraron 252 taxones de 137 géneros y 55 familias de plantas vasculares. Fabaceae (S=45) y Rubiaceae (S=19) presentaron la mayor riqueza. La riqueza taxonómica fue significativamente mayor en fragmentos de bs-T asociados al sistema silvopastoril (SSP) de ganadería extensiva, comparados con fragmentos bajo sistema convencional (SC). La tasa de recambio de especies entre SSP y SC fue de 84,5 %, con superposición de 30,8 %. En el SSP las familias Fabaceae (57,6) y Malvaceae (46,5) presentaron el mayor IVIF; las especies con mayor IVI fueron Bactris major (40,8) y Guazuma ulmifolia (29,4). Las familias Fabaceae (42,9) y Arecaceae (23,8) presentaron el mayor IVIF en fragmentos del SC; las especies con mayor IVI fueron Cavanillesia platanifolia (31,8) y Ceiba pentandra (28). Estos resultados contribuyen a entender procesos ecológicos y la importancia del SSP de ganadería extensiva como estrategia para la conservación de la biodiversidad del bs-T. Extensive farming for livestock has significantly affected the biodiversity and conservation of the dry tropical forest (DTF), today considered the most threatened ecosystem in the tropical lowlands. We analyzed the floristic composition, richness and structure of DTF fragments associated with extensive livestock systems in four localities of the department of Córdoba, Colombia. Samples were taken in four plots of 0.1 ha/fragment according to the Gentry methodology, modified to include all individuals with a DAP ≥ 1 cm. The index of value of importance by species (IVI), the value index of importance by families (IVIF), and the rate of change of species were determined. We identified 252 plant taxa from 137 genera and 55 families. Fabaceae (S= 45) and Rubiaceae (S= 19) had the highest richness. The richness was significantly higher in fragments of DTF associated with the silvopastoril system (SSP), compared with fragments under conventional system (SC). The rate of species turnover between SSP and SC was 84.5 %, with a taxon overlap of 30.8 %. In the SSP, the families Fabaceae (57.6) and Malvaceae (46.5) had the highest IVIF; the species with the highest IVI were Bactris major (40.8) and Guazuma ulmifolia (29.4). The families Fabaceae (42.9) and Arecaceae (23.8) had the highest IVIF in SC fragments; the species with the highest IVI were Cavanillesia platanifolia (31.8) and Ceiba pentandra (28). These results contribute to understand ecological processes and the importance of the SSP of extensive cattle ranching as a strategy for the conservation of DTF biodiversity.