Respuestas funcionales de murciélagos asociados a fragmentos de bosque seco tropical en Córdoba (Colombia): implicaciones del tipo de manejo en sistemas de ganadería extensiva

Abstract

Introduction : In the Colombian Caribbean, the expansion of conventional management systems (CS) of extensive livestock has lead a massive loss of tropical dry forest (Td-F). Despite silvopastoral systems (SPS) have been implemented in this region, there are few studies evaluating the incidence of this type of management on bats. Objective : Analyze the variation of functional traits of bat ecological groups between fragments of Td-F immersed in CS and SPS belonging to five localities of Cordoba department (Colom - bia). Methodology : Using bat specimens from biological collections, ecological groups were identified based on life history traits, and then each group were compared using morphometric traits related to size (forearm length) and flight (length of digit three and five) between fragments of Td-F immersed in CS and SPS. Results: Six ecological groups were identified. The traits related to size and flight were significantly higher in SPS for two ecological groups (p<0,05). The matrix in the SPS provides habitat for bats, which may offer better conditions for the morphometric development of some key species in the pollination and seed dispersal processes. Conclusion : Although the functional responses of bats were idiosyncratic, silvopastoral management seems to be more sustainable for these mammals. It is important to take into account the type of management of productive systems that improve biodiversity, because they dominate in the matrix of the landscapes, so they are determinant for the maintenance of the species in habitat transformation contexts.