Population dynamics of the bat Dermanura tolteca (Chiroptera: Phyllostomidae) in a tropical forest in Mexico.
The fruit-eating bat, Dermanura tolteca, has a broad geographic distribution in Mexico and it is a very important seed dispersal of Neotropical plants. Nonetheless, information on the biology of this bat species is scarce, especially with regard to demography. We studied some ecological aspects and population dynamics of D. tolteca from Southeastern Mexican State of Oaxaca. The study was conducted in a perennial tropical forest, over a period of 80 nights, a sampling effort of 73 200 mist-net-hour, from May 2006 to August 2007. A total of 176 specimens were captured, 98 females and 78 males. Population size was estimated in 237 individuals in the study area, with a greater number during rainy season. The population density of this bat, in its range of distribution in Mexico is low compared to other nose-leaf bats. Captures were correlated with monthly precipitation, and this result may be linked to food resources abundance in tropical and subtropical areas. The reproductive pattern was bimodal polyestrous, with birth periods between August-September and April-June. Greater body mass was observed in females than males. The male-female ratio and age-related demographics were similar to other nose-leaf bats. The biological characteristics of D. tolteca are typical of nose-leaf bats of the family Phyllostomidae.
Laboratorio de Ecología Animal, Centro Interdisciplinario de Investigación para el Desarrollo Integral Regional, Unidad Oaxaca, IPN. Calle Hornos 1003, Sta. Cruz Xoxocotlán, Oaxaca, México. C. P. 71230. reylagarto_jl@hotmail.com
José Luís
JL
Garcia-García
Antonio
A
Santos-Moreno
Arisbe
A
Rodríguez-Alamilla
D000818:Animals; D002685:Chiroptera / Q000145:classification / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D008297:Male; D008800:Mexico; D011156:Population Density; D011157:Population Dynamics; D012098:Reproduction; D012621:Seasons; D058614:Seed Dispersal; D014197:Trees