Vampyrus Research Articles

A trait‐based understanding of the vulnerability of a Paleotropical moth community to predation by a sympatric bat with flexible foraging strategies

Abstract Prey vulnerability across seasons can be predicted by measuring their morphological traits and availability. Although conventional prey–predator dynamics focus on pairs of prey and predator species, the trait‐based approach allows us to draw inferences at the scale of the entire assemblage. Here, we coupled measurable prey traits with their availability in the study area, to identify the vulnerability of a diverse moth assemblage to predation by the lesser false vampire bat (Megaderma spasma) Chiroptera: Megadermatidae, Linneaus 1758, a bat with flexible foraging strategies, in the Western Ghats biodiversity hotspot of India. We analysed the discarded prey remains from several roosts, collected over 3 years, for seasonal patterns in the diet and selective hunting. Through light‐trapping, we collected moth specimens in different seasons and measured the morphological traits likely to affect their vulnerability to predation, such as body size and evasive flight capability. Our results showed that consumed moth prey diversity varies seasonally, with moths belonging to the Hepialidae family being preferred in the wet season. We found that the larger moth species with lower evasive capabilities are more vulnerable to predation. Sphingid and Hepialid moths, among the most abundant in the diet, have the lowest manoeuvrability and the maximum body size, respectively. By assessing vulnerability at the prey assemblage level, our study sets the stage for future research on moth–bat interactions from the diverse and less‐explored Paleotropical communities. In addition, the study reiterates the usefulness of trait‐based approaches to understanding prey–predator dynamics.

Comparative genomics reveals convergent adaptations in lipid metabolism and low genetic diversity in carnivorous bats

AbstractDietary specialization stands as a major factor in the study of adaptive evolution and the field of conservation biology among animals. Although bats show unparalleled dietary diversification among mammals, specialized carnivory remains relatively rare within this group. Consequently, our comprehension of the genetic and conservation aspects associated with this specific dietary niche in bats has largely remained uncharted. To investigate molecular adaptations and conservation genetics in carnivorous bats, we produced a new draft genome assembly for the carnivorous bat Vampyrum spectrum. Furthermore, we utilized this genome alongside another distantly related carnivorous bat Megaderma lyra, to conduct genome‐wide comparative analyses with other bat species. Our findings unveil that genes linked to lipid metabolism exhibit signatures of positive selection and convergent molecular adaptation in the two divergent lineages of carnivorous bats. Intriguingly, we have uncovered that the evolution of dietary specialization in carnivorous bats is accompanied by molecular adaptations acting on genes in the peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptors pathways, which are crucial in regulating plasma lipid metabolism and sustaining lipid homeostasis. Additionally, our genomic analyses also reveal low genetic diversity in both carnivorous bat species. This pattern is attributed to their continuously declining population sizes and low levels of heterozygosity, signaling their vulnerability and emphasizing the pressing need for conservation efforts. These genomic discoveries advance our understanding of genetic underpinnings of carnivory in bats and underscore substantial conservation concerns associated with carnivorous bat species.

Bat blunders

Bat blunders

New distribution record of the Greater False Vampire Bat (Megaderma lyra, Geoffroy 1810) from North-Western Himalaya

India has been stated to have 10% of the world's total bat's diversity. The present survey was aimed to study the bat species diversity, distribution and activity patterns in north-western Himalayan region of India. Field surveys were conducted and echolocation calls were recorded using bat detector, Echometer touch 2 in Shiwalik ranges of Himalaya. The Greater False Vampire Bat (Megaderma lyra) has a broad distribution range that stretches from south to south east Asia. In India the distribution of the species was mostly recorded from southern subtropical coastal regions and north-eastern subtropical moist evergreen forests. In the present study The Greater False Vampire Bat (Megaderma lyra) has been recorded for the first time from Garhwal region of north-western Himalayas. Greater False Vampire Bat (Megaderma lyra) having long forearm (>6.63 ± 0.03cm) and lengthy ear (>3.66 ± 0.08cm), which is a distinguishable feature of the family Megadermatidae. The peak frequency (FMaxE) of echolocation was recorded as 50.295 ± 9.18 kHz. This frequency was initiated at 108.20 ± 2.51 kHz and terminated at 30.76 ± 1.37 kHz. The call structure recorded was very distinguishable and specific to this family.

First distributional record of Greater false vampire bat (Lyroderma lyra Geoffroy, 1810) from the Dhubri district of Assam, Northeast India

First distributional record of Greater false vampire bat (Lyroderma lyra Geoffroy, 1810) from the Dhubri district of Assam, Northeast India

First Record of Vampyrum spectrum (Chiroptera: Phyllostomidae) in Valle del Cauca, Colombia

There is little information on the ecology and geographic distribution of the rare species Vampyrum spectrum due to its low abundance and the paucity of records in Colombia. In a field trip to the Reserva Natural Bosque de Yotoco, Valle del Cauca, we captured a female Vampyrum spectrum in a mist net. It constitutes the first verified record of the species in Valle del Cauca, thus updating the geographic distribution of the species in the country, filling the information gap on the species for this zone and highlighting the importance of the Yotoco Forests as an area of interest for the conservation of the biological diversity of the region.

Predation on Rhamphocelus carbo (Pallas, 1764) (Aves: Thraupidae) by the neotropical carnivorous bat Vampyrum spectrum (Linnaeus, 1758) (Mammalia: Phyllostomidae) in a forest management area of eastern Amazon, Brazil

We report an episode of predation on the passerine bird Rhamphocelus carbo by the bat Vampyrum spectrum. This event occurred in LN Guerra Group camp, located in the Uberlândia Forest Management Unit, private property in an area of the Amazon rainforest, near Portel on Marajó Island, State of Pará, eastern Brazilian Amazon. At 5:00 a.m. on August 29th, 2020, a specimen of V. spectrum preyed on a specimen of R. carbo next to the visitors’ dormitory. The bat captured the bird by its head, leaving only its wings and feet after feeding. This predator behavior report is of interest as it demonstrates the feeding habits and natural history of a bat species considered by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as Near-Threatened. In addition, it is important because it was recorded by a person with no training in biology, whose interest in wild fauna was aroused due to our presence. We consider this influence a significant incentive for biodiversity preservation by operators.

Vampyrum spectrum (Phyllostomidae) movement and prey revealed by radio-telemetry and DNA metabarcoding.

The spectral bat (Vampyrum spectrum), the largest bat species in the Americas, is considered Near Threatened by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and is listed as a species of special concern or endangered in several countries throughout its range. Although the species is known as carnivorous, data on basic ecology, including habitat selection and primary diet items, are limited owing to its relative rarity and difficulty in capturing the species. Leveraging advances in DNA metabarcoding and using radio-telemetry, we present novel information on the diet and movement of V. spectrum based on locations of a radio-collared individual and fecal samples collected from its communal roost (three individuals) in the Lowland Dry Forest of southern Nicaragua. Using a non-invasive approach, we explored the diet of the species with genetic markers designed to capture a range of arthropods and vertebrate targets from fecal samples. We identified 27 species of vertebrate prey which included birds, rodents, and other bat species. Our evidence suggested that V. spectrum can forage on a variety of species, from those associated with mature forests to forest edge-dwellers. Characteristics of the roost and our telemetry data underscore the importance of large trees for roosting in mature forest patches for the species. These data can inform conservation efforts for preserving both the habitat and the prey items in remnants of mature forest required by Vampyrum spectrum to survive in landscape mosaics.

Cytogenetic Analyses Detect Cryptic Diversity in Megaderma spasma from Malaysia

As many as 17 subspecies are currently recognized for the lesser false vampire, Megaderma spasma along its wide distributional range, from India to Southeast Asia. Cytogenetic studies have been so far restricted to specimens from only four geographical regions, namely Malaysia, Thailand, China and the Philippines. We examined the karyotypes of M. spasma medium from Peninsular Malaysia and M. s. trifolium from Malaysian Borneo with conventional and molecular cytogenetic techniques, using whole chromosome painting probes from the vespertilionid Myotis myotis and the hipposiderid Aselliscus stoliczkanus. Both Megaderma subspecies showed the same diploid chromosome number, 2n = 38, but differed concerning interstitial heterochromatic segments and number and shape of heterochromatic B chromosomes. Comparison with published data revealed that the Bornean specimens' karyotype best resembled the chromosomal set of the Chinese specimen. In contrast, a single male specimen from Malaysian Borneo showed a different karyotype (2n = 40) without B chromosomes and interstitial heterochromatin, indicating that it may represent a cryptic, yet unknown Megaderma species.

Arachnids that feed on vertebrate carrion: necrophagy by the whip spider Paraphrynus raptator (Amblypygi: Phrynidae) and its relation to the feeding behavior of the woolly false vampire bat Chrotopterus auritus (Chiroptera: Phyllostomidae).

Necrophagy is a feeding strategy in which animals feed on carrion; most scavengers are facultative and can also be predators or consumers. For amblypygids, necrophagy is a poorly documented phenomenon and there are literature records of individuals of three different species feeding on dead bats inside caves. In the present note, we document for the first time a necrophagic behavior in the whip spider Paraphrynus raptator (Pocock, 1902) which was observed feeding on Otonyctomys hatti Anthony, 1932 (Rodentia: Cricetidae) and a yucatan poorwill, Nyctiphrynus yucatanicus Hartert, 1892 (Caprimulgiformes: Caprimulgidae) carrion. We made the observations inside a small chamber in an ancient Mayan temple inhabited by a group of woolly false vampire bats (Chrotopterus auritus Peters, 1856) in southeastern Mexico. Carrion consumption in P. raptator is directly related with the carnivorous feeding behavior of the C. auritus group with which they coexist.

Morphometrics of the indian false vampire bat (Megaderma lyra) from district Jhelum, Pakistan

During the present study thirteen Megaderma lyra bats were observed roosting in dark, domed shaped room of Rohtas Fort, district Jhelum. Out of these, six specimens were captured from the roosting site, using hand net. All captured specimens were male. These bats were identified through their unique facial features, an erect and elongated nose-leaf, large oval ears that joined above the forehead and no tail. Mean head and body length of captured specimens was 80 mm, forearm length was 67 mm while average lengths of 3rd, 4th and 5th metacarpals were 51.73 mm, 55.17 mm and 60.42 mm, respectively. Mean skull length was 29.84 mm, breadth of braincase was 12.77 mm. Average Penis length of two specimens was 6.6 mm and total bacular length was 3.08 mm respectively. This is the first record of Megaderma lyra from district Jhelum.

The complete mitochondrial genome of the Australian ghost bat Macroderma gigas

The Ghost bat Macroderma gigas is a monotypic bat species that is endemic to northern Australia and named on the basis of the large size of its partially conjoined ears. It is the only carnivorous bat found in Australia and its conservation status is currently listed as Vulnerable. Here, we describe the complete mitochondrial genome of M. gigas and compare it to other vertebrates. The M. gigas circularized mitogenome was 16,661 bp and contained 13 protein-coding genes, two rRNA genes, 22 tRNAs and a control region (D-loop) of 1228 bp. Phylogenetic analysis of available entire mitogenomes reveals that Macroderma gigas is most closely related to the Indian false vampire bat Megaderma lyra in the family Megadermatidae (false vampire bats).

We eat meat: a review of carnivory in bats

Abstract Some bat species in the families Phyllostomidae, Megadermatidae, and Nycteridae have long been known to consume terrestrial vertebrates and, more recently, reports of aerial‐hawking vespertilionid carnivores have surfaced. We review the diets, hunting behaviour and roosting ecology of 17 bat species that are known to consume terrestrial vertebrates: Vampyrum spectrum, Chrotopterus auritus, Trachops cirrhosus, Macroderma gigas, Megaderma (Lyroderma) lyra, Nycteris grandis, Nyctalus lasiopterus, Nyctalus aviator, Ia io, Antrozous pallidus, Cardioderma cor, Phyllostomus hastatus, Mimon (Gardnerycteris) crenulatum, Mimon cozumelae, Tonatia saurophila, Tonatia bidens, and Lophostoma silvicolum. Data on their diet and roosts were obtained from 241 original works, with considerable differences in the amount of research and information available among species. Carnivorous bats were found to belong to an ecologically diverse group and share little but their diet. Therefore, we define a carnivorous bat as a bat that, either year‐round or seasonally, uses terrestrial vertebrates as the main component of its diet, at least in part of its geographic range. We conclude from available data that Mimon crenulatum, Lophostoma silvicolum, Mimon cozumelae, Phyllostomus hastatus, Tonatia bidens, Tonatia saurophila, Cardioderma cor, and Antrozous pallidus use vertebrates as a minor part of their diet and should not be considered carnivorous. The nine other species we reviewed do fit into the definition of carnivorous bats, and can be further subdivided based on their ecology and the seasonality of their habits into three categories: year‐round predominantly gleaning carnivores (Chrotopterus auritus, Trachops cirrhosus, and Vampyrum spectrum), seasonal predominantly gleaning carnivores (Megaderma lyra, Macroderma gigas, and Nycteris grandis) and seasonal aerial‐hawking bird‐eating carnivores (Ia io, Nyctalus aviator, and Nyctalus lasiopterus).

A REVIEW ON USE OF BIOACOUSTICS FOR DETECTION, MONITORING AND MANAGEMENT OF INSECT PESTS

Forest and agro-ecosystems are the main natural bioresources which provides support to human livelihoods. ‘Indian False Vampire bats’ are the important components of these ecosystems as primary consumers of large sized nocturnal insects and small vertebrates, there by fulfill key ecosystem services as bio-control agents. Flight has enabled them to exploit a variety of foraging niches inaccessible to other mammals. Ecomorphological and the dietary selection study on false vampire bats suggest they are the carnivorous bats and perform crucial role as pest managers in the ecosystem. The nocturnal foraging behaviour, echolocation capability, dentition and flight manoeuvrability of these bat species are the adaptations that enhance their ability to capture nocturnal prey items. Undoubtedly, they are the most gregarious and successful group of beneficial animals to the ecosystem. Their population should be preserved for the benefit to conserve sustainable development of the ecosystem. The Indian false vampire bat conservation will not only replenish the ecosystem but also aid the forest floral health management and reduce the usage of pesticides in the agro ecosystem. Key words: Ecosystems, Bio-control agents, Foraging niches, False vampire, Health management

Updating the distribution of Vampyrum spectrum (Chiroptera, Phyllostomidae) in Colombia: new localities, potential distribution and notes on its conservation

The Spectral Bat (Vampyrum spectrum) is classified as Near Threatened by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. In Colombia, it has not been included in any risk assessments, because it is a poorly documented species in the country. Using new occurrence data and ecological niche modelling we evaluate the distribution and analyze the species’ ecological and conservation needs in Colombia. With the new records,V. spectrumshows a distribution over six biogeographic provinces in the country, along an elevational range between 96 and 1750 m. The Spectral Bat has been reported in a wide variety of ecosystems from dry forest and fragmented landscapes, to forested areas. Predictive models suggest a wider presence of this species in the west of the country, center, and southern Andes. The limited number of specimens limits our attempt to evaluate morphometric variation among Colombian populations; however, we detect a variation in the mean value of the forearm and ear length regarding northeast South American populations. Areas with the greatest potential distribution detected in this study could be prioritized in conservation strategies, and make plans accordingly for this and other species that coexist in its range. Finally, we highlight the low representativeness of Protected Areas for the Spectral Bat and add some ecological notes about this rare species.

A new species of extinct False Vampire Bat (Megadermatidae: Macroderma) from the Kimberley Region of Western Australia

A new species of False Vampire Bat (Megadermatidae), Macroderma handae sp. nov., is described from dental, dentary and maxillary fragments recovered from limestone deposits at Dingo Gap, Oscar Range, in the Kimberley region of Western Australia. This material is likely to be of Pliocene age, or early Pleistocene, based on biocorrelation within the same sample. The absence of the P2 indicates that it is more derived than Miocene taxa including M. malugara and M. godthelpi, but its phylogenetic position relative to M. koppa could not be determined. It appears to be slightly smaller than M. gigas and M. koppa based on the size of M1 and M2. It can be distinguished from M. gigas by the lesser degree of fenestration in the maxilla; and from all other species of Macroderma by the shape of the protofossa of the M1, plus the M2 protoconid relatively high and of proportionally greater area within the trigonid. Other material collected, but not identified completely or described, includes several lower canines from a species of emballonurid, and a dentary with M1-3 representing a vespertilionid bat. Given the wear striations observed on the M3 of the newly-described Macroderma species, we suggest that it was a predator of small vertebrates, including possibly the chiropteran co-inhabitants of the cave. This new species of Macroderma is the sixth species recognized in the genus so far, and the second from the Pliocene.

First record of predation of Nyctinomops laticaudatus (É. Geoffroy, 1805) by Chrotopterus auritus (Peters, 1856) (Mammalia: Chiroptera).

The Wooly False Vampire Bat, Chrotopterus auritus (Peters, 1856) (Chiroptera: Phyllostomidae), feeds on small mammals, birds, lizards, frogs and occasionally large insects and fruits. In this paper we report an additional evidence of bat predation by C. auritus. A male of this species was captured with a partially eaten Broad-eared Free-tailed Bat, Nyctinomops laticaudatus (É. Geoffroy, 1805) (Chiroptera: Molossidae). This record was obtained during a research project conducted in the Biological Reserve of Sooretama, Southeastern Brazil.

Movement ecology of the carnivorous woolly false vampire bat (Chrotopterus auritus) in southern Mexico.

Deforestation is a critical threat to bats. The woolly false vampire bat Chrotopterus auritus is a carnivorous bat that is both an indicator species for well-conserved forests and a threatened species in Mexico and other countries due to deforestation. We currently lack the information needed to assess the effects of forest fragmentation and destruction on their populations and to develop plans for their conservation. We used GPS loggers to study the movement patterns of C. auritus in southern Mexico. We observed 72 foraging nights by GPS-tagging 10 individuals from two colonies on 32 occasions in a highly disturbed heterogeneous landscape with extensive deforestation (Hormiguero), and in a more homogeneous, well-preserved forested landscape (Monterrey). Tracked false vampire bats averaged a home range of 108.24 ha, a core foraging area of 3.78 ha and average maximum flight distances of 2.06 km. The bats ranged farther and flew significantly longer distances in Hormiguero than in Monterrey, with males flying longer and more variable distances. They used the well-preserved semi-deciduous forest more often than secondary forest and agricultural fields for traveling and foraging, but the bats occasionally moved and hunted along the borders of secondary forest and agricultural fields adjacent to semi-deciduous conserved forest areas. Although this carnivorous bat might cope with some fragmentation, we suggest that large well-preserved forested areas are highly important for its conservation.

The complete mitochondrial genome of Megaderma lyra (Indian false vampire)

The Indian false vampire (Megaderma lyra), known as the greater false vampire bat, the Indian false vampire bat, and the greater false-vampire, is typical echolocation mammals. It has been listed in the IUCN Red List of threatened species and included in the Red Book of Endangered Animals in China. Herein, we described 17,055 bp of M. lyra mtDNA that includes 13 protein-coding genes (PGCs), two rRNA genes (12S rRNA and 16S rRNA), 22 transfer RNA (tRNA) genes, and one control region (D-loop). The complete mitochondrial genome sequence will provide new molecular biology information to further understand the genetic diversity of the M. lyra and to protect this population.

Biogeography and priority areas for the conservation of bats in the Brazilian Cerrado

In this study, we describe the distribution pattern of bat species and select priority areas for the conservation of the Cerrado based on a systematic planning approach. We estimated species richness and calculated the total beta diversity based on Sorensen’s dissimilarity index (βsor). We estimated the species turnover using Simpson’s dissimilarity index (βsim). We then evaluated the nesting (βsne) by the difference between the dissimilarity indices (βsor and βsim). Based on this analysis, we identified the priority areas for the conservation of bats in the Cerrado based on the zonation approach. We found that the species richness and beta diversity of bats in the Cerrado are concentrated primarily in the central and northern portions of the biome. We also discovered that the conservation units of the Cerrado are ineffective for the protection of species with a restricted distribution (≤ 150 grid cells), such as Vampyrum spectrum, for which we propose the creation of new conservation units that better cover the diversity patterns observed in the present study. By conserving this diversity, we will also be protecting local habitats, which will in turn enable the survival of a wide range of species, and provide the ecosystems with the capacity to respond adequately to future changes in the environment.