Temporal changes in the potential geographic distribution of Histiotus velatus (Chiroptera, Vespertilionidae), the "decade effect"

Evaluation of Mastadenovirus and Rotavirus Presence in Phyllostomid, Vespertilionid, and Molossid Bats Captured in Rio Grande do Sul, Southern Brazil

Bat-borne viruses may affect public health and the global economy. These mammals have a wide geographical distribution and unique biological, physiological, and immunogenic characteristics, allowing the dissemination of many known and unknown viruses. Enteric viruses, such as adeno (AdV) and rotaviruses, are recognized as the main causative agents of disease and outbreaks. In the present study, the presence of viruses from Adenoviridae and Reoviridae families was evaluated in molossid, phyllostomid, and vespertilionid bats captured in Rio Grande do Sul, Southern Brazil, between September 2021 and July 2022. Sixty bat rectal swabs were analyzed by PCR. Eight (13.3%) samples were positive for adenovirus and classified as human mastadenovirus C (HAdV-C) (three samples) and HAdV-E (five samples) by sequencing followed by phylogenetic analysis. All samples were negative in rotavirus specific RT-PCR. This is the first study to describe the presence of HAdV in samples of Glossophaga soricina, Eptesicus brasiliensis, and Histiotus velatus. Furthermore, the presence of HAdV-E in bats was reported, which is unusual and may suggest that other HAdV genotypes, in addition to HAdV-C, may also be harbored by wild animals. The data generated in the present study reinforces the importance of eco-surveillance of viral agents related to diseases in humans and wild animals. In addition, it is essential to identify possible new hosts or reservoirs that increase the risk of spillover and dissemination of infectious pathogens, helping to prevent and control zoonotic diseases.

Some bats are here: Reducing the Wallacean shortfall of bats in the amazon

The Amazon rainforest has approximately 23% of its sampled area dedicated to bats, making it one of the least sampled and most diverse regions for bats in Brazil. The lack of sampling results in a lack of knowledge regarding the accurate geographical distribution of bat species. This lack is referred to as the Wallacean shortfall, which should be addressed with primary data obtained from in situ collections. However, the use of Species Distribution Models (SDMs) can help alleviate this gap. The states of Pará and Acre are located in the Brazilian Amazon. So, our objective is to decrease the Wallacean shortfall concerning Amazonian bat species. To achieve this, we provide (i) a list of bat species sampled in the states of Pará and Acre in the last 5 years (2017 to 2022); (ii) the potential distribution of species considered as new occurrences for the region; and (iii) the potential distribution of species classified as Data Deficient (DD) and Near Threatened (NT) according to the IUCN classification. With 96 nights of collection and 129,600 m2h of mist netting, we obtained 75 bat species, with an estimated total of 94.78 species. Additionally, 21 species were considered as range extensions. The Brazilian Amazon region has a vast geographic expanse and few established research centers, resulting in a limited sampling of bats and other biological groups. Furthermore, we draw attention to the significant number of bat species with expanded geographical distributions, with 21 out of the 75 sampled species. This should be a reminder that primary biogeographic data is still necessary for the neotropical region.