Mist Nets Research Articles

New distribution and breeding record of Wroughton’s free-tailed bat (Otomops wroughtoni) (Chiroptera: Molossidae) from Meghalaya, India

Abstract The Wroughton’s free-tailed bat (Otomops wroughtoni) is classified as Data Deficient under IUCN Red List due to inadequate information on its distribution, population, and ecology. The species was previously recorded from Belgaum district of Karnataka and from East Khasi Hills and Jaintia Hills districts of Meghalaya and from Cambodia, represented by a single specimen. Through our study on Chiroptera taxa across 19 Community Reserves between October 2021 and January 2022 using physical search, mist netting and acoustic study we have identified a new colony of O. wroughtoni from the Mikadogre village in South Garo Hills District of Meghalaya, which extends the current distribution to 135 km from the nearest known distribution site. Interestingly, unlike other known roosts of O. wroughtoni which are in large caves with high roofs and deep crevices or cupolas, this roost was in the open limestone cliff located next to a stream. In addition to this, we have also documented the breeding colony of the species from a previously known site at Pynurkba. This new finding emphasises that there are more potential roosts across the Northeast region of India with similar habitats and altitudes waiting to be identified.

Importance of riparian vegetation and wood-pastures in the maintenance of bat assemblages in a highly fragmented landscape in Veracruz, Mexico

Abstract To investigate whether trees and palms scattered in pastures contribute to the maintenance of bat assemblages in landscapes highly fragmented by livestock farming activities, we evaluated the bat assemblages and foraging guilds between wooded pastures and riparian vegetation. Using mist nets, we captured 1013 bats from 29 species and four taxonomic families. We found that the abundance, richness, and composition of bat species were not significantly different between vegetation types. Frugivores were the most abundant guild, and their abundance did not differ between vegetation types, indicating that wood-pastures allow the presence of these bats in the landscape. On the other hand, insectivores were more abundant in riparian vegetation and, interestingly, nectarivores were more abundant in pastures, likely due to the great plasticity of species of the genus Glossophaga. Our results are encouraging, since they demonstrate that a rustic pasture management that promoting the presence of scattered trees and palms along with belts of riparian vegetation, allows the maintenance of bat assemblages in a highly fragmented landscape.

Preliminary checklist on species composition of small mammals and birds in Marine Research Excellence Centre (MAREC), Pulau Tuba.

Located in Langkawi archipelago, Andaman Sea, Pulau Tuba is one of the islands that is densely protected as a forest reserve. We investigated and documented the species composition of small mammals and birds at two different sites in the forest of UiTM Marine Research Excellence Centre (MAREC). Wire cage traps were used to capture non-volant small mammals while mist nets were used to capture bats and understorey birds. A total of 35 individuals were captured consisting of four species of small mammals and four species of birds. Among the most abundant species captured were Rattus tiomanicus, Leopoldamys sabanus and Cynopterus brachyotis. The calculated Shannon diversity index was 1.58 indicating a low diversity of small mammals and birds within the area. Our current study stipulated that few individuals were caught due to the rainy season affecting Pulau Tuba during the study period. Further surveys and studies should be conducted for a longer period in different seasons so that more species of fauna can be documented.

Unraveling the diversity of Trypanosoma species from Central Mexico: molecular confirmation on the presence of Trypanosoma dionisii and novel Neobat linages

Bats are one of the groups of mammals with the highest number of associated Trypanosoma taxa. There are 50 Trypanosoma species and genotypes infecting more than 75 species of bats across five continents. However, in Mexico, the inventory of species of the genus Trypanosoma associated with bats is limited to only two species (Trypanosoma vespertilionis and Trypanosoma cruzi) even though 140 species of bats inhabit this country. Specifically, 91 bat species have been recorded in the state of Veracruz, but records of trypanosomatids associated with this mammalian group are absent. Due to the complex Trypanosoma–bat relationship, the high diversity of bat species in Veracruz, as well as the lack of records of trypanosomatids associated with bats for this state, the aim of this work was to analyze the diversity of species of the genus Trypanosoma and their presence from a bat community in the central area of the state of Veracruz, Mexico. During the period of January to August 2022 in the Tequecholapa Environmental Management Unit where bats were collected using mist nets and blood samples were obtained from their thumbs. We extracted genetic material and amplified a fragment of 800 bp of the 18S ribosomal gene of the genus Trypanosoma by conventional PCR. The positive amplicons were sequenced, and phylogenetic reconstruction was performed to identify the parasite species. A total of 285 bats (149♀, 136♂) belonging to 13 species from 10 genera and a single family (Phyllostomidae) were collected. Twenty-three specimens from six species tested positive for the presence of Trypanosoma dionisii, Trypanosoma sp. Neobat 4, and a potential novelty species provisionally named as Trypanosoma sp. Neobat 6. The results of the present work increase the number of species of the genus Trypanosoma infecting bats in Mexico and in the Neotropical region.

Exceptionally Uniform Bat Assemblages across Different Forest Habitats Are Dominated by Single Hyperabundant Generalist Species

Woodland bat assemblages are usually structured in a space according to the distance from the ground, water, and obstacles, features that often define chiropteran hunting tactics. Consequently, the bat species composition differs strongly among various habitats, even within the same forest patch. However, when conducting local bat surveys in Wolin National Park (WPN), we revealed an unexpected uniformity in the qualitative and quantitative structure of bat assemblages, based on mist netting and ultrasound recording. In total, 10 vespertilionid species were detected. Across all methods and sampled habitats, a single species, Pipistrellus pygmaeus, predominated, while no Barbastella barbastellus, an old forest specialist, were detected, despite the abundance of their preferred daily roosts. We also reviewed the literature for mist-netted bat samples in four different habitats in lowland Polish forests. The samples usually clustered based on habitats, and the same habitat classes often clustered very closely despite representing geographically distant forests. The exception was WPN, where all four habitat classes formed a tightly packed cluster. We hypothesize that P. pygmaeus might act as a hyperabundant native species, a successful generalist that reduces the contribution of more specialized taxa in the assemblage. It probably benefits from both forest renaturation and anthropogenic cross-boundary subsidy.

Chewing lice (Insecta, Phthiraptera) and ticks (Arachnida, Ixodida) associated with birds in highland marshes of the Brazilian semiarid

ABSTRACT In Brazilian semiarid, highland marshes are home to a great diversity of species; still, these ecosystems suffer constant impacts due to agriculture, logging, and livestock. Here we describe a community of birds and their ectoparasites in anthropized remnants of a highland marsh ecosystem, located in Northeast of Brazil. From August/2018 to July/2019, mist nets were used to capture birds, and their ectoparasites were then collected. A total of 78 bird species from 18 families were captured, of which 25 species and 12 families were parasitized by lice, while 13 species from 8 families were parasitized by ticks. Of the 546 birds captured, 11.9% were infested by 747 lice belonging to 12 taxa, and 4.2% by 27 ticks. Only seven individuals were infested by both lice and ticks. Both lice and ticks showed preference for topographic sites on their host bodies.

Description of the echolocation pulses of insectivorous bats with new records for Southwest Colombia

Despite the high diversity of bats in neotropics, traditional methods such as mist nets, harp traps and roost detection have limitations in capturing that diversity in a landscape, with most detected species restricted to those that forage in the undergrowth or enclosed spaces. Therefore, acoustic records become a tool that complements and enhances the efforts to get more complete bat inventories while avoiding alterations in usual foraging activities and disruption in their life cycles. This study describes the acoustic parameters (spectral and temporal variables) of the echolocation pulses of insectivorous bats to characterise different species of bats in Southwest Colombia acoustically. We recorded echolocation calls between December 2017 and May 2020 in the Andean and Pacific regions of the Department of Nariño. We analysed 81 sequences of echolocation calls from eight bat species belonging to three families: Vespertilionidae, Molossidae and Emballonuridae. We perform recordings on free-flying bats with identity corroboration by capture for recording in flight rooms and examination in the hand. Myotis riparius and Lasiurus blossevillii were recorded for the first time in the Nariño Department. M. albescens, M. keaysi, M. riparius and L. blossevillii (Vespertilionidae) had pulses of frequency modulated (FM) with a quasi-constant frequency (QCF) ending; Molossus molossus, Tadarida brasiliensis and Promops centralis (Molossidae) had pulses with constant frequency (CF) and QCF; and Saccopteryx bilineata (Emballonuridae) had pulses with QCF. This study contributes to the efforts to facilitate the identification of insectivorous bats of the Neotropics using the acoustic monitoring approaches, represents a reference to compare the acoustic studies in Southwestern Colombia and contributes to increasing our knowledge of the bat diversity in the region.

The role of feeding roosts in seed dispersal service bats provide in urban areas

AbstractIn urban ecosystems, bats play an essential role in seed dispersal, which is facilitated by their use of feeding roosts. However, there are several knowledge gaps in this ecosystem service that bats provide in urban areas. We aimed to describe the fruits consumed by bats in an urban area, the selection and use of feeding roosts, and the patterns of seed dispersal by fruit bats in a Brazilian city. We collected and identified the seeds deposited under feeding roosts and tested for differences in the size of the seed of fruits consumed by bats and the seeds of fruits available in the study area. We also captured and identified bats feeding near roosts using mist nets and assessed the vegetation structure and urban variables that might influence the bats' tree choice for roosts. We found that Artibeus lituratus, Artibeus planirostris, and Platyrrhinus lineatus potentially used feeding roosts and preferred the tallest trees, which were located further away from artificial light. The average distance of seed dispersal was 105.5 meters, and the average size of the dispersed seeds did not differ from the seeds of the fruits available in the area, suggesting that bats are not limited to dispersing only tiny seeds. However, the prevalence of exotic seeds raises concerns that bats may spread exotic species, especially in surrounding protected areas. These results highlight the importance of frugivorous bats as significant seed dispersers in urban areas and emphasize the need for further research to understand their role in shaping urban ecosystems.Abstract in Portuguese is available with online material.

Bat-Associated Pathogenic Leptospira spp. from Forest Fragments in Southwestern Brazilian Amazonia

Bats are known as potential carriers of different pathogens; these animals have been identified worldwide as an important reservoir of different species of Leptospira. Therefore, there has been an increasing interest in studying leptospirosis in neotropical bats in the Amazon. This region is a fertile ground for zoonotic diseases, given the intense process of deforestation, urbanization, opening of new agricultural frontiers, predatory hunting, effects of climate change, and loss of biodiversity. Based on this, the aim of the present study was to investigate the frequency of infection associated with the genetic characterization of pathogenic Leptospira spp. in bats inhabiting diverse landscapes in the southwestern region of the Amazon. To conduct the study, mist nets were installed to capture bats. Kidney samples were submitted to LipL32-polymerase chain reaction and secY gene sequencing. Our results showed that 21% of neotropical evaluated bats in Southwestern Amazon were infected with Leptospira spp. Positive animals were found in rural, urban, periurban, and control areas. Sanguinivores had the highest frequency of positives, followed by insectivores and frugivorous bats. The species of L. interrogans and a potential new Leptospira species were identified. The frequency of Leptospira in bats was not influenced by landscape type, suggesting these pathogens may not be affected by landscape changes. The findings suggest that bats may serve as potential reservoirs of Leptospira in diverse landscapes. The presence of Leptospira in bats appears to be independent of the type of land use, implying that these pathogens may not be affected by small-scale changes in the environment.

Global prevalence of Plasmodium infection in wild birds: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Avian malaria is a vector-borne parasitic disease caused by Plasmodium infection transmitted to birds by mosquitoes. The aim of this systematic review was to analyze the global prevalence of malaria and risk factors associated with infection in wild birds. A systematic search of the databases CNKI, WanFang, VIP, PubMed, and ScienceDirect was performed from database inception to 24 February 2023. The search identified 3181 retrieved articles, of which 52 articles met predetermined inclusion criteria. Meta-analysis was performed using the random-effects model. The estimated pooled global prevalence of Plasmodium infection in wild birds was 16%.Sub-group analysis showed that the highest prevalence was associated with adult birds, migrant birds, North America, tropical rainforest climate, birds captured by mist nets, detection of infection by microscopy, medium quality studies, and studies published after 2016. Our study highlights the need for more understanding of Plasmodium prevalence in wild birds and identifying risk factors associated with infection to inform future infection control measures.

Study of bats in the upper Neretva River valley (Bosnia and Herzegovina)

The upper Neretva River valley with river and tributaries, preserved forests, natural caves and buildings represents a very interesting area for bats. During two field expeditions in summer 2022, we collected data on bats using a variety of methods: inspecting the potential roosts, mist netting, and recording bat echolocation calls. We used manual and automatic ultrasound detectors most frequently at sites along and near the Neretva River. The morphological identification of some species was confirmed using DNA analyses. We detected at least 13 bat species in the study area extending from Krupac to Konjic. With one addition, known from the literature, 14 different bat species have been found in the upper Neretva River valley, presenting nearly a half of all bat species recorded in Bosnia and Herzegovina. We confirmed the presence of three species of the highest conservation concern in Europe, listed in the Annex II of the Habitats directive: lesser horseshoe bat (Rhinolophus hipposideros), greater horseshoe bat (Rhinolophus ferrumequinum), and greater mouse-eared bat (Myotis myotis). Our finding of the alcathoe bat (Myotis alcathoe) presents new confirmation of this species in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Also, observation of the parti-coloured bat (Vespertilio murinus) is one of the few records of the species in this country. The upper Neretva River valley can be considered as an area of high conservation importance for bats. Additional fieldwork, including during other seasons, would likely reveal more bat species and their sites in the area of the upper Neretva River valley.

Factors that interfere with the estimation of bat richness in Atlantic Forest, southeastern Brazil

Capture success of bats can be affected not only by local bat density, but also by several methodological aspects. Many factors interfere with the sampling completeness and capture success of bats. Considering the variety of sampling methods used for investigating, the objective of the present study is to analyze different factors that interfere with sampling completeness and species richness estimates of bats. To carry out the present study, we used data from the State of Rio de Janeiro from inventories carried out from 1989 to 2013 by the Laboratory of Bat Diversity and data from the literature until 2023. We analyzed the following parameters: number of sampling nights, period of nocturnal sampling, number of sites where the mist nets were opened, sampling in diurnal roosts, and moon phase. We observed that the localities with more than 30 species recorded had huge sampling efforts. For studies based on a small capture effort, the active search for roosts during the day increases the probability of recording species found mainly in high sampling effort studies. The most complete inventories are those with a sampling effort of at least 24 nights, including sampling in different habitats, such as trails, water bodies, and close to fruiting plants, as well those including search for day roosts and with fieldwork not restricted to a specific moon phase. Mist nets should be set up not only on trails and close to fruiting trees, but also over water bodies to increase the probability of recording insectivorous species.

Keragaman Jenis Mamalia di Kawasan Ekowisata Mangrove Cukunyinyi Kabupaten Pesawaran

Mangrove ecosystems are important coastal ecosystems that provide a variety of functions. Mangrove ecosystems provide a variety of environmental services including absorbing carbon and contributing to climate change mitigation, protecting coastal areas from storms, tsunamis, and erosion. In addition to providing a variety of environmental services, these ecosystems are also habitats for a variety of living organisms, both aquatic and terrestrial, resident and migrant, also nationally and internationally protected species. The benefits provided by mangrove are contrast to the rate of degradation, which has the potential for loss of wildlife habitat and a decrease in biodiversity value, especially mammals. This study was conducted to analyse the value of biodiversity, especially mammals in the Mangrove Ecotourism Area, Pesawaran Regency. This study uses the method of line transects, mist nets, and sound identification. The results of the study recorded 6 species of mammals with a species diversity value (H') of 1.46, richness of 1.60, evenness of 0.72, and species dominance of 0.30. Mammal species diversity inside the ecotourism area is higher than outside the area. Protected mammals are not found in the area.

Prevalence of West Nile virus antibodies in wild birds in Bangladesh

ObjectivesWest Nile virus is a zoonotic arbovirus spread by mosquito vectors for which birds are common reservoir hosts. In this report, we are presenting the prevalence of West Nile virus antibodies among the resident and migratory wild birds from different locations in Bangladesh. MethodsBirds were captured using mist nets and leg nooses from different areas of Bangladesh. Serum samples were tested using competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and swab samples were tested using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. ResultsSamples from 888 resident and migratory birds tested, 48 migratory birds (48 of 888, 5.4 %, confidence interval 4–7 %) were found sero-positive for West Nile virus antibody. All the sero-positive birds were from Hakaluki haor and Tanguar hoar, which suggest local transmission of this virus, though we did not find any evidence of active infection. ConclusionsFurther study is required to better understand the role of these birds in the epidemiology of this virus.

Glosophagine bats (Chiroptera: Phyllostomidae) as floral visitors of Stenocereus huastecorum (Plantae: Cactaceae) in the Jaumave Valley, Tamaulipas, Mexico

The objectives of the present work were to determine the species of bats as floral visitors of Stenocereus huastecorum Alvarado-Sizzo, Arreola-Nava & Terrazas, 2018 in the Jaumave Valley, the night activity patterns of these floral visitors, their abundance within the flowering periods of 2018 and the comparison of effectiveness of nocturnal and diurnal pollinators. During March-May and August-October 2018, 12 nights were sampled per flowering period using three mist nets of 12 x 2.6 meters. Bats captured were identified, samples of pollen were taken from them which was processed by Erdtman's acetolysis. Three different treatments were applied to evaluate pollination effectiveness (nocturnal exclusion, diurnal exclusion, and control), selecting three flowers in 19 individuals. Leptonycteris yerbuenae (Martínez & Villa, 1940), L. nivalis (Saussure, 1860) and Choeronycteris mexicana (Tschudi, 1844) were the nocturnal floral visitors of S. huastecorum during its two flowering periods, the first species being the most frequently recorded throughout the night. Although this species has flowers with chiropterophilous characteristics, no significant differences were found in the effectiveness of diurnal, nocturnal and control pollinators. Very little is known about the nocturnal floral visitors of S. huastecorum and the effectiveness of its pollinators in the north of its distribution. Since this species is very important for the economy of rural communities due to the sale of its fruits, this research provides basic information for the conservation and use of this species.

Bats of the Safi-Essaouira Provinces (Morocco): New Inputs to the Knowledge of Bat Populations of the Atlantic Littoral

In Morocco, investigations of bats are limited and fragmentary. The majority of studies were done in northern provinces close to the Mediterranean Sea and focused on the geographical distribution of bats. With the aim of overcoming these gaps, we used diurnal caves visits, hand nets and mist nets, and acoustic surveys to make an inventory of the Atlantic littoral of Safi-Essaouira provinces, which is considered one of the most neglected regions in the country. In total, five caves and nine foraging habitats were surveyed from 2020 to 2022. Our surveys highlighted the distribution of eleven bat species belonging to five families, of which Rhinolophus blasii and Tadarida teniotis species were newly recorded in the study area. Three caves, namely, Sbaa Fam, Haouya, and Sidi Benkrara were newly discovered and hosted medium-sized colonies of five species. They were important for bats during the daytime, hibernation, and breeding. In foraging habitats, 2650 passes of 10 species were recorded. Pipistrellus pipistrellus and Pipistrellus kuhlii were the most active, followed by Miniopterus schreibersii and Eptesicus isabellinus, while Rhinolophus ferrumequinum, Hipposideros tephrus, Rhinolophus mehelyi, T. teniotis, Myotis punicus, and R. blasii were less active. Olive groves were the most diverse habitat with 8 species, followed by Safi pinewood and degraded Argane forest with 4 species each and Sidi Abderrahmane lake with 3 species. The other habitats hosted only two species each. This paper is the first to highlight data on bats in the coastal areas of Morocco and North Africa. Our results contribute to improve knowledge of the annual cycle of these bats and fill the gaps related to their distribution in the coastal area of the Safi-Essaouira provinces.

Global systematic map of research on bats in agricultural systems

IntroductionThe conversion of natural habitats to agricultural systems is one of the main global threats to bats. Here, we aimed to develop a systematic mapping to identify publication trends and research gaps in studying bats and agricultural systems.MethodsWe reviewed 309 studies published between 1990 and 2021 that sampled bats in agricultural systems or evaluated the effect of these systems on these animals.ResultsWe found that most studies were conducted in the Palearctic and Neotropical regions (55.3%) and forest biomes (66.0%). Grassland-cropland systems (50.2%) and forest plantations that do not require cutting during the extraction of their products (47.9%) were more studied than forest plantations that require cutting (19.7%). Additionally, acoustic recordings (41.1%) and mist nets (34.3%) were the primary sampling methods used, with few studies combining these methods (7.1%). Also, most studies were conducted on a local scale (77.7%). The number of landscape-scale studies was smaller (34.3%) and concentrated in the Palearctic region (39.6%). Most studies assessed how agricultural systems affect biodiversity (62.1%). However, the phylogenetic and functional dimensions and b-diversity were little explored, with 2.5% and 23.3% of the biodiversity studies, respectively. Of the proposed mitigation measures, the most cited was including natural/semi-natural/potential bat habitats in cultivated landscapes (59.5%).DiscussionIn summary, our findings highlight the need for attention to the Afrotropic and Indo-Malaysia regions; predominantly non-forested biomes; plantations that require cutting during the extraction of their products; combined use of different sampling methods, as well as other methods as telemetry; use of multiple biodiversity descriptors and others biological descriptors, such as ecological services; landscape-scale studies and the role of conservation policies in promoting their conservation and raising awareness of their importance among producers and local communities. Filling these knowledge gaps is necessary to understand the factors influencing bat survival in cultivated landscapes. This is the only way to develop management and conservation strategies in these landscapes.

Inventaire préliminaire des Chiroptères réservoirs des infections en République de Guinée : Boké, Conakry, Faranah, Mamou, Kindia et N’zérékoré

The aim of this work is to make a preliminary inventory of chiropteran reservoirs of infection in the Republic of Guinea: Boké, Conakry, Faranah, Mamou, Kindia and N'zérékoré. The study was conducted from January 1, 2016 to December 31, 2019. One thousand chiropterans were captured with fishing nets, mist nets or by hand and divided into 18 species and 6 families. Identification was based on the reference collection of IRBAG, Rosevear DR, Hayman RW and Bergmans W.The most representatives were: Hipposideros caffer (15.5%), Mops condylurus (10.8%), Nycteris hispida (7.7%), Neoromicia guineensis (6.8%), Hipposideros jonesi (6.3%), Chaerephon nigeriae (4, 9%), Rhinolophus guineensis (4.2%), Chaerephon pumillus (3.3%), Eidolon helvum (2.6%), Epomophorus gambianus (1.9%), Hipposideros abae (1.3%). On the other hand, the least encountered are: Scotophilus diganii (0.8%), Lissonycteris angolensis (0.7%), Rhinolophus alcyone (0.5%), Rousettus aegyptiacus (0.4%), Scotophilus leucogaster (0.4%) and Neoromicia brunnea (0.2%). These species represent the bulk of the chiropterans fauna, which may play an epidemiological or predatory role for crops and harvests.

Pinealocytes and Glia Cells in the Pineal Gland of the African Straw-Coloured Fruit Bat (Eidolon helvum)

Abstract The mammalian pineal gland is a structure that in recent years has been extensively studied, due to its functions and the hormones it produces. Bats are the only known flying mammals, with the order having a large number of species. This study was carried out to investigate the gross and histological features of the pineal gland of the Eidolon helvum, the African fruit bat, using male and female subjects. Eight free flying E. helvum (4 males, 4 females) were captured using mist nets. The pineal gland was grossly observed to be very small in size, oval in shape, and covered by the pia mater. Histological examination revealed two populations of pinealocytes – Types I and II – oval structures possessing acidophilic cytoplasm and large, round nuclei. Pinealocytes were seen to appear singly or in clusters, having no particular arrangement. Sexual dimorphism was observed, with the females having less density in population of pinealocytes at the peripheral region of the gland. This was consistent in all subjects examined. Astrocytic appearance was typical with long and slender processes, and perivascular and capsular microglia were observed. The glia cells were observed to be abundant in the parenchyma and around the capsule. There was no sensitivity to NeuN antibody. Results obtained may find application in behavioural and comparative neuroscience.

Diversity of bats (Mammalia, Chiroptera) in the Parque Estadual de São Camilo, Paraná, Southern Brazil

Diversity of bats (Mammalia, Chiroptera) in the Parque Estadual de São Camilo, Paraná, Southern Brazil