Abstract

CASTILLA, M. Cecilia; CUYCKENS, G. A. Erica  and  DIAZ, M. Mónica. Bat potential species richness in the southern Yungas: contribution to the conservation of species. Mastozool. neotrop. [online]. 2020, vol.27, n.1, pp.61-71.  Epub Jan 20, 2020. ISSN 0327-9383.

In Argentina, the Yungas austral portion presents ecotones with arid eco-regions such as Chaco, Puna, and Monte of Mountains and Isolated Valley. It has a high diversity of bats, but the richness decreases drastically above 23°S and 24°S. This research derives from a study on a colony of Tadarida brasiliensis located in the Escaba Dam (Tucumán), and recognized as an Important Site for Bat Conservation (SICOM in Spanish). The objective was to assess, from bioclimatic factors, the distribution and richness of bat species in the southern portion of the Yungas, to contextualize the importance of local assemblages, and the use of potential richness as an input for the designation of Important Areas for Bat Conservation (AICOMs in Spanish). From the presence records, potential distributions were estimated using the MaxEnt software, for which the variables were previously selected through a Principal Component Analysis (slope, annual temperature range, and average temperature of the coldest quarter). The species richness map was obtained by adding the significant models and points of presence of non-modeled species. 27 species of bats predominantly insectivorous were recorded. Potential species richness increased within the Yungas, across mountain ranges and at the ecotones with arid zones. Distribution models are appropriate tools to detect AICOMs based on their potential richness, such as the surroundings of the Escaba Dam (Tucumán) - Cuesta Higuerilla (Catamarca), and the Totoral slope and Sumampa Dam (Catamarca), where bat surveys have been performed and thereafter, they have been declared as such.

Keywords : AICOMs; bats; maxent; species distribution models; Yungas.

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