DNA Barcoding Reveals High Diversity of Bats from the Family Phyllostomidae (Mammalia, Chiroptera) from Brazilian Biomes

The genus Platyrrhinus Saussure, 1860 is one of the most speciose within the Phyllostomidae family in the Neotropical region, with 19 documented species worldwide, nine of which are found in Brazil. Platyrrhinus guianensis Velazco and Lim, 2014 was first recorded in the Guiana Shield, followed by a record in the Brazilian Amazon. This study represents the second record of P. guianensis in Brazil, specifically in the Maranhão (MA) Amazon biome (Turiaçu/MA - 01°39’36”S and 45°22’12”W). Morphological, craniodental, and molecular characters were employed for species identification. The specimen exhibited a dark brown dorsal fur, a conspicuous wide and white dorsal stripe, dark gray ventral fur, a forearm length of 38.5 mm, a short skull without a fossa in the scaly root of the zygomatic arch, with two stylar cusps on the posterior crest of the upper second premolar, one stylar cusp on the anterior crest of the lower second premolar, and upper internal incisors bilobed and convergent. Molecular results supported the morphological identification, confirming the occurrence of P. guianensis in the Maranhão Amazon. Molecular results provide the first public sequence of P. guianensis for the 16S rRNA gene and a new sequence for the COI gene, which will be useful in future studies for the species. These results supported the morphological identification, confirming the occurrence of P. guianensis in the Maranhão Amazon. This record extends the known distribution of this species approximately 1428.32 km to the east within the Amazon biome in Brazil.

Colombia, with 209 species, is one of the richest countries in terms of bat diversity. This high bat diversity is comprised in nine families and 72 genera. A total of eight species of the families Emballonuridae (n = 1) and Phyllostomidae (n = 7) are listed as endemic to the country. In spite the relevance of Colombiain bat diversity, little is known of these endemic species which are mostly known from the type locality (n=4), whereas for others (n = 2), their taxonomic status is uncertain. Here, available information of endemic bats from Colombia is compiled, and new information on their distribution and conservation is provided. The most included species in publications including the original description (n = 15) was Lonchorhina marinkellei. The only distribution pattern observed for the species evaluated was for Carollia monohernandezi and Vampyressa sinchi that might overlap distributions in the eastern slopes of the Eastern Cordillera. Most endemic species are from the Andean and inter-Andean regions of the country (n = 6). At national level, there are no endemic species in any threatened category; however, at least one species (Lonchorhina marinkellei) is considered as Vulnerable (VU) and one (Saccopteryx antioquensis) as Endangered (EN) by the International Union forConservation of Nature-IUCN.

The Laelapidae family gathers approximately 1300 species described worldwide. In Brazil, little is known about the diversity of species belonging to this family. The knowledge of existing species makes it possible to update taxonomic classification information, considering that there is taxonomic instability in some genera classification in this group. Such knowledge is also necessary for investment in studies of species bioprospecting for use in biological control programs. Thus, our objective was to collect mites of the Laelapidae family in different Brazilian biomes and characterize them morphologically and molecularly (DNA Barcoding). Also, we characterize the DNA Barcoding of commercial populations of Stratiolaelaps scimitus and Stratiolaelaps miles sold in Brazil, France, and South Africa. Thus, soil and litter collections were carried out in cultivation and natural vegetation in the Amazon, Cerrado biomes, Atlantic Forest, Pantanal, and Pampa. The samples were submitted to the Berlese funnel for seven days. The mites identified as laelapids were subjected to nondestructive DNA extraction and subsequently mounted on a microscopic slide. Altogether 131 mites were found among adults and immatures in different Brazilian biomes. The genera found were Alloparasitus, Cosmolaelaps, Gaeolaelaps, Gymnolaelaps, Ololaelaps, Oloopticus, Pseudoparasitus, and Stratiolaelaps. The genus Gaeolaelaps was the most common, being found and all biomes reported in this study. We developed a non-destructive DNA extraction process for mites and produced DNA barcoding for nine species of mites in the Laelapidae family. In this study, the COI NUMTs (pseudogenes) presence is reported for two different species of Gaeolaelaps. Stratiolaelaps species from Brazil (native and commercialized areas) and companies from South Africa and France are a single species, with a high indication that it is S. scimitus.

The mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I gene is the standard DNA barcoding region used for species identification and discovery. We examined the variation of COI (454 bp) to discriminate 20 species of bats in the family Phyllostomidae that are found in the Yucatan Peninsula of southeastern Mexico and northern Guatemala and compared them genetically to other samples from Central America. The majority of these species had low intraspecific variation (mean = 0.75%), but some taxa had intraspecific variation ranging to 8.8%, suggesting the possibility of cryptic species (i.e. Desmodus rotundus and Artibeus jamaicensis). There was a recurring biogeographic pattern in eight species with a separation of northern and southern Middle American localities. The Yucatan Peninsula was a discrete area identified in four species, whereas Panama was recovered in five species of phyllostomid bats. Our study establishes a foundation for further molecular work incorporating broader taxonomic and geographic coverage to better understand the phylogeography and genetic diversity that have resulted from the ecological constraints in this region and the remarkable differentiation of bats in the Neotropics.

Trypanosoma rangeli is a generalist hemoflagellate that infects mammals and is transmitted by triatomines around Latin America. Due to its high genetic diversity, it can be classified into two to five lineages. In Brazil, its distribution outside the Amazon region is virtually unknown, and knowledge on the ecology of its lineages and on host species diversity requires further investigation. Here, we analyzed 57 T. rangeli samples obtained from hemocultures and blood clots of 1392 mammals captured in different Brazilian biomes. The samples were subjected to small subunit (SSU) rDNA amplification and sequencing to confirm T. rangeli infection. Phylogenetic inferences and haplotype networks were reconstructed to classify T. rangeli lineages and to infer the genetic diversity of the samples. The results obtained in our study highlighted both the mammalian host range and distribution of T. rangeli in Brazil: infection was observed in five new species (Procyon cancrivorous, Priodontes maximum, Alouatta belzebul, Sapajus libidinosus, and Trinomys dimidiatus), and transmission was observed in the Caatinga biome. The coati (Nasua nasua) and capuchin monkey (S. libidinosus) are the key hosts of T. rangeli. We identified all four T. rangeli lineages previously reported in Brazil (A, B, D, and E) and possibly two new genotypes.

BackgroundEntamoeba species harbored by humans have different degrees of pathogenicity. The present study explores the intra- and interspecific diversity, phylogenetic relationships, prevalence and distribution of tetra- and octonucleated cyst-producing Entamoeba in different Brazilian regions.MethodsCross-sectional studies were performed to collect fecal samples (n = 1728) and sociodemographic data in communities located in four Brazilian biomes: Atlantic Forest, Caatinga, Cerrado, and Amazon. Fecal samples were subjected to molecular analysis by partial small subunit ribosomal DNA sequencing (SSU rDNA) and phylogenetic analysis.ResultsLight microscopy analysis revealed that tetranucleated cysts were found in all the studied biomes. The highest positivity rates were observed in the age group 6–10 years (23.21%). For octonucleated cysts, positivity rates ranged from 1 to 55.1%. Sixty SSU rDNA Entamoeba sequences were obtained, and four different species were identified: the octonucleated E. coli, and the tetranucleated E. histolytica, E. dispar, and E. hartmanni. Novel haplotypes (n = 32) were characterized; however, new ribosomal lineages were not identified. The Entamoeba coli ST1 subtype predominated in Atlantic Forest and Caatinga, and the ST2 subtype was predominant in the Amazon biome. E. histolytica was detected only in the Amazon biome. In phylogenetic trees, sequences were grouped in two groups, the first containing uni- and tetranucleated and the second containing uni- and octonucleated cyst-producing Entamoeba species. Molecular diversity indexes revealed a high interspecific diversity for tetra- and octonucleated Entamoeba spp. (H ± SD = 0.9625 ± 0.0126). The intraspecific diversity varied according to species or subtype: E. dispar and E. histolytica showed lower diversity than E. coli subtypes ST1 and ST2 and E. hartmanni.ConclusionsTetra- and octonucleated cyst-producing Entamoeba are endemic in the studied communities; E. histolytica was found in a low proportion and only in the Amazon biome. With regard to E. coli, subtype ST2 was predominant in the Amazon biome. The molecular epidemiology of Entamoeba spp. is a field to be further explored and provides information with important implications for public health.Graphical

ABSTRACTAlthough agriculture dominates much of Central America, little is known about the bat assemblages that occur within agricultural landscapes and how bats use different types of tree cover within these landscapes. Using mist‐nets and a mark‐recapture protocol, we compared bat diversity and movement across six types of tree cover within an agricultural landscape in central Nicaragua. The tree cover types surveyed included secondary forests, riparian forests, forest fallows, live fences, pastures with high tree cover and pastures with low tree cover. We captured a total of 3084 bats of 39 species, including two new species records for the country (Lonchorhina aurita and Molossops greenhalli). Of these, 2970 bats and 27 species were in the Phyllostomidae family. There were significant differences in mean species density, abundance and evenness of phyllostomid bats across the different types of tree cover, but not in bat diversity. Riparian forests had the highest mean species density and bat abundance per plot. In contrast, mean bat abundance and species density were lowest in pastures with low tree cover. Of the 1947 phyllostomid bats marked, a total of 64 bats of eight species were recaptured. The average linear distance between extra‐site recaptures was 2227 m (± 228 SE) and the maximum distance was 10.6 km. Bats were recorded moving between almost all types of tree cover, and especially to and from riparian forests. Our study suggests that agricultural landscapes retaining a heterogeneous tree cover may maintain a diverse bat assemblage, and that bats visit and use a variety of tree cover types within the agricultural matrix.

In Honduras, most bat inventories have been carried out with mist nets as the main sampling method, skewing knowledge towards the Phyllostomidae family, therefore the diversity and distribution of insectivorous bats is underrepresented. In order to have a more complete knowledge of the diversity of bats in the municipality of Yuscarán and mainly in the Yuscarán Biological Reserve, an inventory was carried out using the techniques of mist-netting and acoustic monitoring. The samplings were carried out between 910 and 1,827 m.a.s.l., covering agroecosystems, broadleaf forest, pine forest and urban environment. A total of 32 species of bats were registered, which represents 28% of the species diversity present in Honduras. Species belonging to five families were recorded: Emballonuridae (6.25%), Mormoopidae (15.22%), Phyllostomidae (56.25%), Molossidae (9.37%) and Vespertilionidae (12.5%). With the mist nets, a sampling effort of 7,128 m²/h was reached, which allowed the capture of 20 species and 186 individuals. Through the acoustic method, with 84 h/r, 13 species of insectivorous bats were recorded. The values of the acoustic parameters analysed from the search phase of each insectivorous species are provided, which can serve as a reference for the identification of species from Hondurans. To advance our understanding of the distribution patterns, composition, and vocal signatures of insectivore bats, we suggest the complementary use of mist nets and acoustic recorders in the inventories.

Energy consumption in the world is growing every year, and there is an increasing demand on the energy system to meet the increase in consumption, resulting in the installation of new power transmission lines. The understanding of how power transmission lines affect biodiversity is predominantly focused on birds, with limited information available on other organisms. In this study, we assessed the potential effect of power transmission lines on bat communities in a locality in the Cerrado biome in Brazil. More specifically, we used a paired sample design and acoustically sampled bats in locations near and far from the transmission lines. Our findings suggest that power transmission lines do not have a generally positive or negative effect on insectivorous bat communities in the study area. However, their presence seems to be associated with increased diversity in specific functional groups and changes in the activity patterns of some bat species and families. We believe that this information is of particular importance for establishing appropriate programs during the environmental licensing process, assisting in the development of projects in the different stages of construction as well as in monitoring programs during operation.

The role of archeological zones in biological conservation has been highlighted because of their restrictions over land‐use change, size, and maintenance of upstanding vegetation. The Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico has over 2000 archeological zones amidst biological, ecological, and culturally diverse landscapes. However, due to population centers and tourism growth, the peninsula is experiencing high deforestation and habitat fragmentation rates. To explore the role of archeological zones in biological conservation, we focused on bat species because of their high mobility, use of human structures as refugia, and the ecosystem services they provide. Using mist nets and roost surveys, we compared the bat diversity in four highly visited archeological zones during the dry and wet seasons. In a total effort of 34,560 m2 mist net hours, we found 23 species from six families and seven guilds, representing 53% of all bat species known from the Yucatan state, including two endangered species for Mexico: Mimon cozumelae and Micronycteris schmidtorum. We found between 12 and 19 species in each archeological zone, and the communities were similar between the four sites and between seasons. The Phyllostomidae family was dominant across all sites, accounting for 92% of all the captures. We also recorded 12 species across 52 diurnal and nocturnal roosts, suggesting that Mayan archeological structures could offer several advantages to bats despite the high visitation of tourists. Our results emphasize the need to conduct research beyond natural protected areas to complement conservation policies and incentivize the inclusion of archeological zones in Yucatan's bat conservation plans.Abstract in Spanish is available with online material.

The great fruit-eating bat (Artibeus lituratus) is a large-sized bat in the New World family Phyllostomidae. It is widely distributed and sometimes very abundant in different Brazilian biomes, in natural and anthropic environments. Studies in the tropics have found evidence of a decrease in A. lituratus captures during the winter, a dry and cold season with low fruit availability, especially in higher latitudes. However, the causes for the decrease in captures are poorly understood. The objective of this study was to test the influence of temperature and fruit availability on capture rates of A. lituratus in a fragmented Atlantic Forest landscape. Results indicate that temperature is the main variable that explains the changes in the number of captures of A. lituratus throughout the year, and that fruit availability plays only an adjacent role. In addition, we highlight possible negative consequences of climate change on the survival of this species.

The Caatinga, a Brazilian biome that covers an area of 740,000 km2, is characterized by semi-arid climatic conditions with high temperatures and irregular rains throughout the year. The present study verified the structure of the local bat community and the seasonal variation in the abundance of bats and their diversity. We sampled four points on Serra dos Macacos and Serra de Antenor, in the municipality of Tobias Barreto, Sergipe. Field campaigns were conducted monthly between February and November 2011 in the region of the Serra dos Macacos, with the same sampling effort being applied in the dry and rainy seasons. A total sampling effort of 95,040 m2⋅h resulted in the capture of 104 specimens, representing 15 species belonging to the families Phyllostomidae (12 sp.), Vespertilionidae (2 sp.) and Mormoopidae (1 sp.). The Jackknife 1 estimate indicated the occurrence of 21.3±2.07 species in the study area. There was no difference in species diversity between the two stations (t=0.65, p=0.51). The guild of frugivorous and nectarivorous bats were the most abundant in both seasons, and most representative in the rainy season. Significant seasonal difference was found in the abundance of bats between the dry and rainy seasons (χ2=16.96; df=1; p<0.05). The results were consistent with other Caatinga studies in terms of species richness and diversity, and community structure, with a predominance of nectarivorous bats and seasonal variation in the community structure.

Adaptive radiations often occur with an early burst, which requires both various niches and a generalist ancestor. However, ancestral generalism remains hard to test. The New World leaf-nosed bats (family Phyllostomidae) represent an adaptive radiation with highly diverse diets, including arthropods, nectar, and fruits. Ancestral omnivory may have facilitated the phyllostomid radiation, but previous estimations supported ancestral insectivory. These estimations were limited by single-trait models, constrained transitions, and unaccounted phylogenetic uncertainty. To address these limitations, we estimated ancestral diets through multi-response phylogenetic threshold models using discrete ordered diets (141 phyllostomid species) and multivariate Brownian motion models using continuous compositional diets (109 phyllostomid species) from published datasets, while explicitly accounting for phylogenetic uncertainty using published mammalian phylogenies. We infer complementary fruit feeding in the phyllostomid common ancestor and at the early burst of their radiation, supporting the ancestral omnivory hypothesis. Extending this analysis to all bat families (621 species) reveals independently evolved ancestral fruit feeding in four families, but only Phyllostomidae and Pteropodidae evolved predominant/strict fruit feeding and high species diversity. Therefore, our results reveal that ancestral generalism (i.e., omnivory) may be a precondition but does not necessarily lead to adaptive radiations, which also require subsequent niche partitioning.

Studies on bat ecology and distribution in the Brazilian Cerrado are scarce. Here we describe a bat assemblage from a savanna landscape in central Brazil and explore the richness, diversity, abundance and the influence of habitat and seasonality. We conducted 48 nights of sampling in both dry and wet seasons and in three habitat types. We estimated the richness and diversity indexes. We assessed the influence of habitat and season on species abundance with a generalized linear mixed model. Overall, we captured 254 individuals of 19 species and our effort sampled 90% of the estimated richness. The Phyllostomidae family was the most frequent, with 76.3% of all captures.

We examined for the presence of trypanosomes in blood samples from 259 anurans (47 species from 8 families), the majority of which were from the Brazilian Amazonia, Atlantic Forest and Pantanal biomes. Trypanosomes were detected by a combination of microhaematocrit and haemoculture methods in 45% of the anurans, and 87 cultures were obtained: 44 from Hylidae, 22 from Leptodactylidae, 15 from Bufonidae, 5 from Leiuperidae and 1 from an unidentified anuran. High morphological diversity (11 morphotypes) was observed among blood trypanosomes from anurans of different species and of the same species as well as among trypanosomes from the same individual. Conversely, morphologically similar trypanosomes were found in anurans from distinct species and biomes. ITS and SSU rDNA polymorphisms revealed high diversity among the 82 isolates examined. Twenty-nine genotypes could be distinguished, the majority distributed in 11 groups. Phylogenetic relationships based on rDNA sequences indicated that isolates from more phylogenetically related anurans are more closely related. Comparison of anuran trypanosomes from Brazil and other countries revealed several new species among the isolates examined in this study. Phylogenetic relationships suggest that host restriction, host switching and overall ecogeographical structure may have played a role in the evolution of the anuran trypanosomes.