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Mychajliw AM, Almonte JN, Martinez PA, Hadly EA. Stable isotopes reveal seasonal dietary responses to agroforestry in a venomous mammal, the Hispaniolan solenodon (
Solenodon paradoxus
). Ecol Evol 2022; 12:e8761. [PMID: 35356572 PMCID: PMC8948124 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.8761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Revised: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Alexis M. Mychajliw
- Departments of Biology and Environmental Studies Middlebury College Middlebury Vermont USA
- Department of Biology Stanford University Stanford California USA
| | - Juan N. Almonte
- Museo Nacional de Historia Natural “Prof. Eugenio de Jesús Marcano” Santo DomingoDominican Republic
| | - Pedro A. Martinez
- Escuela de Biología Universidad Autónoma de Santo Domingo Santo DomingoDominican Republic
| | - Elizabeth A. Hadly
- Department of Biology Stanford University Stanford California USA
- Woods Institute of the Environment Stanford University Stanford CaliforniaUSA
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2
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Kruszynski C, de Andrade Moral R, Míllan C, Diniz-Reis TR, Mello MAR, de Camargo PB. Diet Composition of Bats in a Human-Modified Tropical Landscape. ACTA CHIROPTEROLOGICA 2022. [DOI: 10.3161/15081109acc2021.23.2.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Cecilia Kruszynski
- Laboratório de Ecologia, Centro de Energia Nuclear na Agricultura (CENA), Universidade de São Paulo, Avenida Centenário, 303, 13400-970 Piracicaba, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Cristiane Míllan
- Departamento de Ecologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo. Rua do Matão, 321/Travessa 14, 05508-090 São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Thais R. Diniz-Reis
- Laboratório de Ecologia, Centro de Energia Nuclear na Agricultura (CENA), Universidade de São Paulo, Avenida Centenário, 303, 13400-970 Piracicaba, SP, Brazil
| | - Marco A. R. Mello
- Departamento de Ecologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo. Rua do Matão, 321/Travessa 14, 05508-090 São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Plinio B. de Camargo
- Laboratório de Ecologia, Centro de Energia Nuclear na Agricultura (CENA), Universidade de São Paulo, Avenida Centenário, 303, 13400-970 Piracicaba, SP, Brazil
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Brewer CT, Rauch-Davis WA, Fraser EE. The Use of Intrinsic Markers for Studying the Migratory Movements of Bats. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:3477. [PMID: 34944252 PMCID: PMC8698158 DOI: 10.3390/ani11123477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Revised: 11/26/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Mortality of migratory bat species at wind energy facilities is a well-documented phenomenon, and mitigation and management are partially constrained by the current limited knowledge of bat migratory movements. Analyses of biochemical signatures in bat tissues ("intrinsic markers") can provide information about the migratory origins of individual bats. Many tissue samples for intrinsic marker analysis may be collected from living and dead bats, including carcasses collected at wind energy facilities. In this paper, we review the full suite of available intrinsic marker analysis techniques that may be used to study bat migration, with the goal of summarizing the current literature and highlighting knowledge gaps and opportunities. We discuss applications of the stable isotopes of hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, carbon, sulfur; radiogenic strontium isotopes; trace elements and contaminants; and the combination of these markers with each other and with other extrinsic markers. We further discuss the tissue types that may be analyzed for each and provide a synthesis of the generalized workflow required to link bats to origins using intrinsic markers. While stable hydrogen isotope techniques have clearly been the leading approach to infer migratory bat movement patterns across the landscape, here we emphasize a variety of lesser used intrinsic markers (i.e., strontium, trace elements, contaminants) that may address new study areas or answer novel research questions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Erin E. Fraser
- School of Science and the Environment, Grenfell Campus, Memorial University of Newfoundland, 20 University Drive, Corner Brook, NL A2H 5G4, Canada; (C.T.B.); (W.A.R.-D.)
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4
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Starik N, Göttert T, Zeller U. Spatial Behavior and Habitat Use of Two Sympatric Bat Species. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11123460. [PMID: 34944237 PMCID: PMC8697949 DOI: 10.3390/ani11123460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Revised: 11/27/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Few studies refer to ecological differences of genetically close and morphologically almost identical insectivorous bat species. However, this information is indispensable for effective and sustainable nature conservation strategies. This study aims at investigating differences in the spatial ecology of the long-eared bat species Plecotus auritus and Plecotus austriacus in a typical cultural landscape of Brandenburg, where the two species occur sympatrically. The reconstruction of the prey spectrum revealed that P. auritus and P. austriacus strongly overlapped in their diet. Our results suggest that resource partitioning is based on using different foraging habitats. While radio-tracked females of P. auritus were strongly associated with woodland patches resulting in small-scale activity areas of only few square kilometers, activity areas of P. austriacus encompassed a large-scale matrix of grassland habitats in the magnitude of a small town. Based on these results, we identify priority conservation needs for the two species to ensure that these differences in the spatial behavior and habitat use can be adequately taken into account for future nature conservation efforts. Abstract Movement behavior and habitat use of the long-eared bat species Plecotus auritus and Plecotus austriacus were studied in the Havelland region in Brandenburg (Germany). Data collection included mist-netting, radiotelemetry, reconstruction of prey items, and monitoring of roosting sites. Body measurements confirm a high degree of phenotypic similarity between the two species. Total activity areas (100% Minimum Convex Polygons, MCPS) of Plecotus austriacus (2828.3 ± 1269.43 ha) were up to five-fold larger compared to Plecotus auritus (544.54 ± 295.89 ha). The activity areas of Plecotus austriacus contained up to 11 distinct core areas, and their mean total size (149.7 ± 0.07 ha) was approximately three-fold larger compared to core areas of Plecotus auritus (49.2 ± 25.6 ha). The mean distance between consecutive fixes per night was 12.72 ± 3.7 km for Plecotus austriacus and 4.23 ± 2.8 km for Plecotus auritus. While Plecotus austriacus was located most frequently over pastures (>40%) and meadows (>20%), P. auritus was located mostly within deciduous (>50%) and mixed forests (>30%) in close vicinity to its roosts. Roost site monitoring indicates that the activity of P. austriacus is delayed relative to P. auritus in spring and declined earlier in autumn. These phenological differences are probably related to the species’ respective diets. Levins’ measure of trophic niche breadth suggests that the prey spectrum for P. auritus is more diverse during spring (B = 2.86) and autumn (B = 2.82) compared to P. austriacus (spring: B = 1.7; autumn: B = 2.1). Our results give reason to consider these interspecific ecological variations and species-specific requirements of P. auritus and P. austriacus to develop adapted and improved conservation measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Starik
- Albrecht Daniel Thaer-Institute of Agricultural and Horticultural Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 10115 Berlin, Germany;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-(0)30-2093 46923
| | - Thomas Göttert
- Research Center [Sustainability–Transformation–Transfer], Eberswalde University for Sustainable Development, Schicklerstr. 5, 16225 Eberswalde, Germany;
| | - Ulrich Zeller
- Albrecht Daniel Thaer-Institute of Agricultural and Horticultural Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 10115 Berlin, Germany;
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5
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Jackson BK, Stock SL, Harris LS, Szewczak JM, Schofield LN, Desrosiers MA. River food chains lead to riparian bats and birds in two mid‐order rivers. Ecosphere 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/ecs2.3148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Breeanne K. Jackson
- Resources Management and Science Division Yosemite National Park El Portal California 95318 USA
| | - Sarah L. Stock
- Resources Management and Science Division Yosemite National Park El Portal California 95318 USA
| | - Leila S. Harris
- Department of Wildlife, Fish, and Conservation Biology University of California Davis California 95616 USA
| | - Joseph M. Szewczak
- Department of Biological Sciences Humboldt State University Arcata California 95521 USA
| | - Lynn N. Schofield
- Resources Management and Science Division Yosemite National Park El Portal California 95318 USA
| | - Michelle A. Desrosiers
- Resources Management and Science Division Yosemite National Park El Portal California 95318 USA
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6
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Ruadreo N, Voigt CC, Bumrungsri S. Large Dietary Niche Overlap of Sympatric Open-space Foraging Bats Revealed by Carbon and Nitrogen Stable Isotopes. ACTA CHIROPTEROLOGICA 2019. [DOI: 10.3161/15081109acc2018.20.2.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Nittaya Ruadreo
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai, Songkhla, Thailand
| | - Christian C. Voigt
- Department Evolutionary Ecology, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sara Bumrungsri
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai, Songkhla, Thailand
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7
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Roswag A, Becker NI, Drangusch R, Kuhring K, Ohlendorf B, Encarnação JA. Teasing apart cryptic species groups: Nutritional ecology and its implications for species-specific conservation of theMyotis mystacinusgroup. POPUL ECOL 2018. [DOI: 10.1002/1438-390x.1003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Roswag
- Mammalian Ecology Group, Department of Animal Ecology and Systematics; Justus-Liebig-University of Giessen; Germany
| | - Nina I. Becker
- Mammalian Ecology Group, Department of Animal Ecology and Systematics; Justus-Liebig-University of Giessen; Germany
- inatu.re, Institute for Applied Animal Ecology and Ecoinformatics; Lollar Germany
| | - Robert Drangusch
- Workgroup of Bat Conservation in Saxony-Anhalt e.V; Stolberg Germany
| | - Kathleen Kuhring
- Workgroup of Bat Conservation in Saxony-Anhalt e.V; Stolberg Germany
| | - Bernd Ohlendorf
- Biosphärenreservat Karstlandschaft Südharz; Landesreferenzstelle für Fledermausschutz Sachsen-Anhalt; Germany
| | - Jorge A. Encarnação
- Mammalian Ecology Group, Department of Animal Ecology and Systematics; Justus-Liebig-University of Giessen; Germany
- inatu.re, Institute for Applied Animal Ecology and Ecoinformatics; Lollar Germany
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8
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Isotopic and dietary niches as indicators for resource partitioning in the gleaner bats Myotis bechsteinii, M. nattereri, and Plecotus auritus. Mamm Biol 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mambio.2017.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Campbell CJ, Nelson DM, Ogawa NO, Chikaraishi Y, Ohkouchi N. Trophic position and dietary breadth of bats revealed by nitrogen isotopic composition of amino acids. Sci Rep 2017; 7:15932. [PMID: 29162842 PMCID: PMC5698291 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-15440-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2017] [Accepted: 10/27/2017] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Bats perform important ecosystem services, but it remains difficult to quantify their dietary strategies and trophic position (TP) in situ. We conducted measurements of nitrogen isotopes of individual amino acids (δ 15NAA) and bulk-tissue carbon (δ 13Cbulk) and nitrogen (δ 15Nbulk) isotopes for nine bat species from different feeding guilds (nectarivory, frugivory, sanguivory, piscivory, carnivory, and insectivory). Our objective was to assess the precision of δ 15NAA-based estimates of TP relative to other approaches. TPs calculated from δ 15N values of glutamic acid and phenylalanine, which range from 8.3-33.1‰ and 0.7-15.4‰ respectively, varied between 1.8 and 3.8 for individuals of each species and were generally within the ranges of those anticipated based on qualitative dietary information. The δ 15NAA approach reveals variation in TP within and among species that is not apparent from δ 15Nbulk data, and δ 15NAA data suggest that two insectivorous species (Lasiurus noctivagans and Lasiurus cinereus) are more omnivorous than previously thought. These results indicate that bats exhibit a trophic discrimination factor (TDF) similar to other terrestrial organisms and that δ 15NAA provides a reliable approach for addressing questions about variation in the TP of bats that have heretofore proven elusive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caitlin J Campbell
- University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science, Appalachian Laboratory, Frostburg, USA.
- Department of Biology, Frostburg State University, Frostburg, USA.
| | - David M Nelson
- University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science, Appalachian Laboratory, Frostburg, USA
| | - Nanako O Ogawa
- Department of Biogeochemistry, Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology, Yokosuka, Japan
| | - Yoshito Chikaraishi
- Department of Biogeochemistry, Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology, Yokosuka, Japan
- Institute of Low Temperature Science, Hokkaido University, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Naohiko Ohkouchi
- Department of Biogeochemistry, Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology, Yokosuka, Japan
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Horvat Ž, Čabrilo B, Paunović M, Karapandža B, Jovanović J, Budinski I, Bjelić Čabrilo O. Gastrointestinal digeneans (Platyhelminthes: Trematoda) of horseshoe and vesper bats (Chiroptera: Rhinolophidae and Vespertilionidae) in Serbia. Helminthologia 2017. [DOI: 10.1515/helm-2017-0009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Summary
The qualitative and quantitative analyses of the digenean fauna of bats were conducted for the first time in Serbia. The sample comprised of 118 individuals of 12 bat species (Rhinolophus ferrumequinum, Myotis mystacinus, M. alcathoe, M. brandtii, M. oxygnathus, M. myotis, Hypsugo savii, Pipistrellus pipistrellus, P. nathusii, Plecotus auritus, P. austriacus and Nyctalus noctula) collected from 15 sites throughout Serbia. Six digenean species were identified: Lecithodendrium linstowi, Plagiorchis sp., Prosthodendrium longiforme, P. chilostomum, P. parvouterus and Mesotretes peregrinus. The helminths were recorded from 35 individual hosts (29.7 %). The species Lecithodendrium linstowi infected the highest percentage of hosts (19.5 %), with a mean abundance of 4.6. GLM analysis of exploratory factors showed that host species and host sex had a significant influence on parasite load, while locality and host age did not influence parasite abundance. No evidence of zoonotic species was found.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ž. Horvat
- Agricultural school, Subotički put bb, Bačka Topola, Serbia
| | - B. Čabrilo
- University of Novi Sad, Faculty of Sciences, Department of Biology and Ecology, Trg Dositeja Obradovića 3, Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - M. Paunović
- Natural History Museum, Njegoševa 51, Belgrade, Serbia
| | | | - J. Jovanović
- Natural History Museum, Njegoševa 51, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - I. Budinski
- Department of Genetic Research, Institute for Biological Research “Siniša Stanković”, University of Belgrade, Bulevar despota Stefana 142, 11060 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - O. Bjelić Čabrilo
- University of Novi Sad, Faculty of Sciences, Department of Biology and Ecology, Trg Dositeja Obradovića 3, Novi Sad, Serbia
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Aliperti JR, Kelt DA, Heady PA, Frick WF. Using behavioral and stable isotope data to quantify rare dietary plasticity in a temperate bat. J Mammal 2017. [DOI: 10.1093/jmammal/gyw196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
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12
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HAN H, WEI W, NIE Y, ZHOU W, HU Y, WU Q, WEI F. Distinctive diet-tissue isotopic discrimination factors derived from the exclusive bamboo-eating giant panda. Integr Zool 2016; 11:447-456. [DOI: 10.1111/1749-4877.12208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Han HAN
- Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservational Biology, Institute of Zoology; Chinese Academy of Sciences; Beijing China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences; Beijing China
| | - Wei WEI
- Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservational Biology, Institute of Zoology; Chinese Academy of Sciences; Beijing China
| | - Yonggang NIE
- Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservational Biology, Institute of Zoology; Chinese Academy of Sciences; Beijing China
| | - Wenliang ZHOU
- Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservational Biology, Institute of Zoology; Chinese Academy of Sciences; Beijing China
| | - Yibo HU
- Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservational Biology, Institute of Zoology; Chinese Academy of Sciences; Beijing China
| | - Qi WU
- Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservational Biology, Institute of Zoology; Chinese Academy of Sciences; Beijing China
| | - Fuwen WEI
- Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservational Biology, Institute of Zoology; Chinese Academy of Sciences; Beijing China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences; Beijing China
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13
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Roswag A, Becker NI, Encarnação JA. Importance of multi-dimensional analyses of resource partitioning in highly mobile species assemblages. POPUL ECOL 2015. [DOI: 10.1007/s10144-015-0508-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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14
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Voigt CC, Lehmann D, Greif S. Stable isotope ratios of hydrogen separate mammals of aquatic and terrestrial food webs. Methods Ecol Evol 2015. [DOI: 10.1111/2041-210x.12414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Christian C. Voigt
- Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Evolutionary Ecology Research Group Alfred‐Kowalke‐Str. 17 10315 Berlin Germany
| | - David Lehmann
- Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Evolutionary Ecology Research Group Alfred‐Kowalke‐Str. 17 10315 Berlin Germany
| | - Stefan Greif
- Max Planck Institute for Ornithology, Sensory Ecology Group Eberhard‐Gwinner‐Strasse House 11 82319 Seewiesen Germany
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15
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Roswag A, Becker NI, Encarnação JA. Isotopic discrimination and indications for turnover in hair and wing membranes of the temperate bat Nyctalus noctula. EUR J WILDLIFE RES 2015. [DOI: 10.1007/s10344-015-0944-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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Coexistence of morphologically similar bats (Vespertilionidae) on Madagascar: stable isotopes reveal fine-grained niche differentiation among cryptic species. JOURNAL OF TROPICAL ECOLOGY 2014. [DOI: 10.1017/s0266467414000741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Abstract:Based on niche theory, closely related and morphologically similar species are not predicted to coexist due to overlap in resource and habitat use. Local assemblages of bats often contain cryptic taxa, which co-occur despite notable similarities in morphology and ecology. We measured in two different habitat types on Madagascar levels of stable carbon and nitrogen isotopes in hair (n = 103) and faeces (n = 57) of cryptic Vespertilionidae taxa to indirectly examine whether fine-grained trophic niche differentiation explains their coexistence. In the dry deciduous forest (Kirindy), six sympatric species ranged over 6.0‰ in δ15N, i.e. two trophic levels, and 4.2‰ in δ13C with a community mean of 11.3‰ in δ15N and −21.0‰ in δ13C. In the mesic forest (Antsahabe), three sympatric species ranged over one trophic level (δ15N: 2.4‰, δ13C: 1.0‰) with a community mean of 8.0‰ δ15N and −21.7‰ in δ13C. Multivariate analyses and residual permutation of Euclidian distances in δ13C–δ15N bi-plots revealed in both communities distinct stable isotope signatures and species separation for the hair samples among coexisting Vespertilionidae. Intraspecific variation in faecal and hair stable isotopes did not indicate that seasonal migration might relax competition and thereby facilitate the local co-occurrence of sympatric taxa.
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Comparing multiple criteria for species identification in two recently diverged seabirds. PLoS One 2014; 9:e115650. [PMID: 25541978 PMCID: PMC4277347 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0115650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2014] [Accepted: 11/26/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Correct species identification is a crucial issue in systematics with key implications for prioritising conservation effort. However, it can be particularly challenging in recently diverged species due to their strong similarity and relatedness. In such cases, species identification requires multiple and integrative approaches. In this study we used multiple criteria, namely plumage colouration, biometric measurements, geometric morphometrics, stable isotopes analysis (SIA) and genetics (mtDNA), to identify the species of 107 bycatch birds from two closely related seabird species, the Balearic (Puffinus mauretanicus) and Yelkouan (P. yelkouan) shearwaters. Biometric measurements, stable isotopes and genetic data produced two stable clusters of bycatch birds matching the two study species, as indicated by reference birds of known origin. Geometric morphometrics was excluded as a species identification criterion since the two clusters were not stable. The combination of plumage colouration, linear biometrics, stable isotope and genetic criteria was crucial to infer the species of 103 of the bycatch specimens. In the present study, particularly SIA emerged as a powerful criterion for species identification, but temporal stability of the isotopic values is critical for this purpose. Indeed, we found some variability in stable isotope values over the years within each species, but species differences explained most of the variance in the isotopic data. Yet this result pinpoints the importance of examining sources of variability in the isotopic data in a case-by-case basis prior to the cross-application of the SIA approach to other species. Our findings illustrate how the integration of several methodological approaches can help to correctly identify individuals from recently diverged species, as each criterion measures different biological phenomena and species divergence is not expressed simultaneously in all biological traits.
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Broders HG, Farrow LJ, Hearn RN, Lawrence LM, Forbes GJ. Stable Isotopes Reveal that Little Brown Bats have a Broader Dietary Niche than Northern Long-Eared Bats. ACTA CHIROPTEROLOGICA 2014. [DOI: 10.3161/150811014x687279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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19
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Schmieder DA, Zsebők S, Siemers BM. The tail plays a major role in the differing manoeuvrability of two sibling species of mouse-eared bats (Myotis myotis and Myotis blythii). CAN J ZOOL 2014. [DOI: 10.1139/cjz-2014-0104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Two sympatrically occurring bat species, the greater mouse-eared bat (Myotis myotis (Borkhausen, 1797)) and the lesser mouse-eared bat (Myotis blythii (Tomes, 1857)) (Chiroptera, Vespertillionidae), share numerous similarities in morphology, roosting behaviour, and echolocation and are often difficult to distinguish. However, despite these similarities, their foraging behaviour is noticeably different. Our aim was to examine the extent to which these different foraging strategies reflect morphological adaptation. We assessed whether the morphology of the wing, body, and tail differed between M. myotis and M. blythii. In addition, in a laboratory experiment involving an obstacle course, we compared differences in manoeuvrability by relating them to our morphological measurements. The two species differed in their overall size, wing-tip shape, and tail-to-body length ratio. The generally smaller sized M. blythii performed better in the obstacle course and was therefore considered to be more manoeuvrable. Although differences in wing-tip shape were observed, we found the most important characteristic affecting manoeuvrability in both species to be the tail-to-body length ratio. Additionally, when we compared two bats with injured wing membranes with unharmed bats of the same species, we found no difference in manoeuvrability, even when the wing shape was asymmetric. We therefore postulate that morphometric differences between the two species in their overall size and, more importantly, in their tail-to-body length ratio are the main physical characteristics providing proof of adaptation to different foraging and feeding strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela A. Schmieder
- Sensory Ecology Group, Max Planck Institute for Ornithology, Seewiesen, Germany
- International Max Planck Research School (IMPRS) for Organismal Biology, University Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
- Conservation Biology, Institute of Ecology and Evolution, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Sándor Zsebők
- Sensory Ecology Group, Max Planck Institute for Ornithology, Seewiesen, Germany
- Université Paris Sud, Centre de Neurosciences Paris Sud, UMR 8195, Orsay, France
| | - Björn M. Siemers
- Sensory Ecology Group, Max Planck Institute for Ornithology, Seewiesen, Germany
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Hiltpold I, Adamczyk JJ, Higdon ML, Clark TL, Ellersieck MR, Hibbard BE. Carbon isotope ratios document that the elytra of western corn rootworm (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) reflects adult versus larval feeding and later instar larvae prefer Bt corn to alternate hosts. ENVIRONMENTAL ENTOMOLOGY 2014; 43:840-848. [PMID: 24874160 DOI: 10.1603/en13248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
In much of the Corn Belt and parts of Europe, the western corn rootworm, Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte, is the most important insect pest of maize. The need for additional basic knowledge of this pest has been highlighted while developing resistance management plans for insecticidal genetically modified crops. This study evaluated the possibility of tracking feeding habits of western corn rootworm larvae using stable carbon isotope signatures. Plants accumulate different ratios of (13)C:(12)C isotopes, usually expressed as δ(13)C, according to whether they use the C3 or C4 photosynthetic pathway. Herbivore biomass is expected to reflect the δ(13)C of the food they eat. For the current experiment, western corn rootworm larvae were grown on different species of plants exhibiting different δ(13)C values. The δ(13)C values were then measured in elytra of emerged beetles. When beetles were unfed, biomass reflected larval feeding. When beetles were fed for 31 d postemergence, δ(13)C values of elytra almost exclusively reflected adult feeding. These results suggest the use of caution in the interpretation of δ(13)C data aiming to document larval diet history when adult feeding history is unknown. The technique was also used to evaluate western corn rootworm larval choice between alternate hosts and maize with and without genetically modified (Bt) traits aimed at their control. Propensity for feeding on alternate hosts versus maize was biased toward feeding on maize regardless whether the maize had Bt or not, suggesting western corn rootworm larvae were not repelled by Bt. These data will be helpful for regulators in interpreting western corn rootworm feeding data on Bt maize.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivan Hiltpold
- Division of Plant Science, University of Missouri, 205 Curtis Hall, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
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Huang C, Yu W, Xu Z, Qiu Y, Chen M, Qiu B, Motokawa M, Harada M, Li Y, Wu Y. A cryptic species of the Tylonycteris pachypus complex (Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae) and its population genetic structure in southern China and nearby regions. Int J Biol Sci 2014; 10:200-11. [PMID: 24550688 PMCID: PMC3927132 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.7301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2013] [Accepted: 01/09/2014] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Three distinct bamboo bat species (Tylonycteris) are known to inhabit tropical and subtropical areas of Asia, i.e., T. pachypus, T. robustula, and T. pygmaeus. This study performed karyotypic examinations of 4 specimens from southern Chinese T. p. fulvidus populations and one specimen from Thai T. p. fulvidus population, which detected distinct karyotypes (2n=30) compared with previous karyotypic descriptions of T. p. pachypus (2n=46) and T. robustula (2n=32) from Malaysia. This finding suggested a cryptic Tylonycteris species within T. pachypus complex in China and Thailand. Morphometric studies indicated the difficulty in distinguishing the cryptic species and T. p. pachypus from Indonesia apart from the external measurements, which might be the reason for their historical misidentification. Based on 623 bp mtDNA COI segments, a phylogeographic examination including T. pachypus individuals from China and nearby regions, i.e., Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia, was conducted to examine the population genetic structure. Genealogical and phylogeographical results indicated that at least two diverged lineages existed in these regions (average 3.4 % of Kimura 2-parameter distances) and their population structure did not match the geographic pattern. These results suggested that at least two historical colonizations have occurred by the cryptic species. Furthermore, through integration of traditional and geometric morphological results, morphological differences on zygomatic arches, toothrows and bullae were detected between two lineages in China. Given the similarity of vegetation and climate of Guangdong and Guangxi regions, we suggested that such differences might be derived from their historical adaptation or distinct evolutionary history rather than the differences of habitats they occurred currently.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chujing Huang
- 1. College of Life Sciences, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Wenhua Yu
- 1. College of Life Sciences, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Zhongxian Xu
- 1. College of Life Sciences, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Yuanxiong Qiu
- 1. College of Life Sciences, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Miao Chen
- 1. College of Life Sciences, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Bing Qiu
- 1. College of Life Sciences, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | | | - Masashi Harada
- 3. Laboratory Animal Center, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka City University, Osaka 545-8585, Japan
| | - Yuchun Li
- 4. Marine College, Shandong University (Weihai), Weihai 264209, China
| | - Yi Wu
- 1. College of Life Sciences, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China
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Clarin TM, Borissov I, Page RA, Ratcliffe JM, Siemers BM. Social learning within and across species: information transfer in mouse-eared bats. CAN J ZOOL 2014. [DOI: 10.1139/cjz-2013-0211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Social learning describes information transfer between individuals through observation or direct interaction. Bats can live and forage in large groups, sometimes comprising several species, and are thus well suited for investigations of both intraspecific and interspecific information transfer. Although social learning has been documented within several bat species, it has not been shown to occur between species. Furthermore, it is not fully understood what level of interaction between individuals is necessary for social learning in bats. We address these questions by comparing the efficiency of observation versus interaction in intraspecific social learning and by considering interspecific social learning in sympatric bat species. Observers learned from demonstrators to identify food sources using a light cue. We show that intraspecific social learning exists in the greater mouse-eared bat (Myotis myotis (Borkhausen, 1797)) and that direct interaction with a demonstrator more efficiently leads to information transfer than observational learning alone. We also found evidence for interspecific information transfer from M. myotis to the lesser mouse-eared bat (Myotis oxygnathus Monticelli, 1885). Additionally, we opportunistically retested one individual that we recaptured from the wild 1 year after initial learning and found long-term memory of the trained association. Our study adds to the understanding of learning, information transfer, and long-term memory in wild-living animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theresa M.A. Clarin
- Max Planck Institute for Ornithology, Sensory Ecology Group, Eberhard-Gwinner-Straße 11, 82319 Seewiesen, Germany
| | - Ivailo Borissov
- Max Planck Institute for Ornithology, Sensory Ecology Group, Eberhard-Gwinner-Straße 11, 82319 Seewiesen, Germany
| | - Rachel A. Page
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Apartado 0843-03092, Balboa, Ancón, Republic of Panamá
| | - John M. Ratcliffe
- University of Southern Denmark, Department of Biology, Campusvej 55, 5230 Odense M, Denmark
| | - Björn M. Siemers
- Max Planck Institute for Ornithology, Sensory Ecology Group, Eberhard-Gwinner-Straße 11, 82319 Seewiesen, Germany
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Roswag A, Becker NI, Encarnação JA. Factors influencing stable nitrogen isotope ratios in wing membranes of insectivorous bat species: A field study. Mamm Biol 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mambio.2013.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Frick WF, Shipley JR, Kelly JF, Heady PA, Kay KM. Seasonal reliance on nectar by an insectivorous bat revealed by stable isotopes. Oecologia 2013; 174:55-65. [PMID: 24276770 DOI: 10.1007/s00442-013-2771-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2013] [Accepted: 09/02/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Many animals have seasonally plastic diets to take advantage of seasonally abundant plant resources, such as fruit or nectar. Switches from insectivorous diets that are protein rich to fruits or nectar that are carbohydrate rich present physiological challenges, but are routinely done by insectivorous songbirds during migration. In contrast, insectivorous bat species are not known to switch diets to consume fruit or nectar. Here, we use carbon stable isotope ratios to establish the first known case of a temperate bat species consuming substantial quantities of nectar during spring. We show that pallid bats (Antrozous pallidus) switch from a diet indistinguishable from that of sympatric insectivorous bat species in winter (when no cactus nectar is present) to a diet intermediate between those of insectivorous bats and nectarivorous bats during the spring bloom of a bat-adapted cactus species. Combined with previous results that established that pallid bats are effective pollinators of the cardon cactus (Pachycereus pringlei), our results suggest that the interaction between pallid bats and cardon cacti represents the first-known plant-pollinator mutualism between a plant and a temperate bat. Diet plasticity in pallid bats raises questions about the degree of physiological adaptations of insectivorous bats for incorporation of carbohydrate-rich foods, such as nectar or fruit, into the diet.
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Affiliation(s)
- Winifred F Frick
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95064, USA,
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Voigt CC, Helbig-Bonitz M, Kramer-Schadt S, Kalko EKV. The third dimension of bat migration: evidence for elevational movements of Miniopterus natalensis along the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro. Oecologia 2013; 174:751-64. [PMID: 24213722 DOI: 10.1007/s00442-013-2819-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2012] [Accepted: 10/22/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Bats are important ecosystem service providers, and therefore most relevant for both lowland and highland habitats, particularly in the tropics. Yet, it is poorly understood to what extent they perform large-scale movements, especially movements along mountain slopes. Here, we studied the movement ecology of the potentially migratory species Miniopterus natalensis at Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. We analysed stable isotope ratios of C (δ(13)C), N (δ(15)N) and H (δ(2)H) in keratin of sedentary frugivorous and insectivorous bats captured between 800 and 2,400 m above sea level to establish elevational gradients of stable isotope ratios in consumer tissues. We expected correlations between stable isotope ratios of the non-exchangeable portion of H in fur keratin and the elevation of capture site, but not necessarily for δ(13)C and δ(15)N. Yet, in bats of both feeding ensembles, we found δ(15)N of fur keratin to correlate positively with the elevation of capture sites but not δ(2)H. In frugivorous bats, δ(13)C increased with increasing capture elevation as well. By looking at intra-individual variation of δ(13)C and δ(15)N in fur keratin and wing membrane tissues of sedentary Rhinolophus cf. clivosus and of the potentially migratory species M. natalensis, we gathered evidence that M. natalensis migrates seasonally between low and high elevations along the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro. Finally, based on an isoscape origin model we estimated that M. natalensis captured before and after the cold period at around 1,800 m above sea level originated from around 1,400 m a.s.l. or lower. Thus, we received convergent results in support of seasonal elevational movements of M. natalensis, probably in search for cold hibernacula at higher elevations of Mount Kilimanjaro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian C Voigt
- Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Evolutionary Ecology Research Group, Alfred-Kowalke-Strasse 17, 10315, Berlin, Germany,
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Otálora-Ardila A, Herrera M. LG, Flores-Martínez JJ, Voigt CC. Marine and terrestrial food sources in the diet of the fish-eating myotis (Myotis vivesi). J Mammal 2013. [DOI: 10.1644/12-mamm-a-281.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
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Salvarina I, Yohannes E, Siemers BM, Koselj K. Advantages of using fecal samples for stable isotope analysis in bats: evidence from a triple isotopic experiment. RAPID COMMUNICATIONS IN MASS SPECTROMETRY : RCM 2013; 27:1945-53. [PMID: 23939961 DOI: 10.1002/rcm.6649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2013] [Revised: 06/01/2013] [Accepted: 06/04/2013] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE Stable isotope analysis in ecological studies is usually conducted on biomaterials, e.g. muscle and blood, that require catching the animals. Feces are rarely used for stable isotope analysis, despite the possibility of non-invasive sampling and short-term responsiveness to dietary changes. This promising method is neglected due to a lack of calibration experiments and unknown diet-feces isotopic difference (Δ(diet-feces)). METHODS To fill this gap, we simulated trophic changes occurring in nature when animals switch feeding habitats, e.g. by moving from freshwater to terrestrial systems, from cultivated areas to forests or changing distance from marine environments. In a controlled experiment, the diet of two bat species (Myotis myotis, Rhinolophus ferrumequinum) was altered to an isotopically distinct one. We measured stable nitrogen, carbon and the rarely used sulfur isotope in feces, and calculated Δ(diet-feces) values. RESULTS The feces acquired the new dietary signature within 2-3 h from food ingestion; thus, they are suited for detecting recent and rapid dietary changes. The Δ(diet-feces) (Δ) did not differ between species or diet (overall means ± standard deviation (sd)): Δ(15)N: 1.47 ± 1.51‰, Δ(13)C: -0.11 ± 0.80‰, Δ(34)S: 0.74 ± 1.10‰. Only Δ(15)N for M. myotis was significantly different from zero and only Δ(13) C differed among the days of the experiment. CONCLUSIONS Fecal stable isotopes can be now further applied in mammalian ecology. This includes a range of applications, such as studying changes in trophic level, resource or habitat use, on a short time-scale. Such information is gaining importance for monitoring rapidly changing ecosystems under anthropogenic influence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioanna Salvarina
- Limnological Institute, University of Konstanz, Mainaustrasse 252, D-78464 Konstanz, Germany.
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Voigt CC, Schneeberger K, Luckner A. Ecological and dietary correlates of stable hydrogen isotope ratios in fur and body water of syntopic tropical bats. Ecology 2013; 94:346-55. [DOI: 10.1890/12-1187.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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Herrera Montalvo LG, Rodríguez Galindo M, Ibarra López MP. Asymmetric Contribution of Isotopically Contrasting Food Sources to Vertebrate Consumers in a Subtropical Semi-arid Ecosystem. Biotropica 2013. [DOI: 10.1111/btp.12018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- L. Gerardo Herrera Montalvo
- Estación de Biología de Chamela; Instituto de Biología; Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México; Apartado Postal 21; San Patricio; Jalisco; 48980; Mexico
| | - Malinalli Rodríguez Galindo
- Posgrado en Ciencias Biológicas; Instituto de Biología; Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México; México D.F; 04510; Mexico
| | - M. Pilar Ibarra López
- Departamento de Ecología y Recursos; Naturales Centro Universitario de la Costa Sur, Universidad de Guadalajara Av.; Independencia Nacional 151; Autlán; Jalisco; 48900; Mexico
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Lisón F, Haz Á, González-Revelles C, Calvo JF. Sexual size dimorphism in greater mouse-eared batMyotis myotis(Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae) from a Mediterranean region. ACTA ZOOL-STOCKHOLM 2012. [DOI: 10.1111/azo.12012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Fulgencio Lisón
- Departamento de Ecología e Hidrología; Universidad de Murcia; Campus de Espinardo 30100 Murcia Spain
| | - Ángeles Haz
- Paseo Rosales; 10, 4º D 30500 Molina de Segura Spain
| | - Carlos González-Revelles
- Departamento de Ecología e Hidrología; Universidad de Murcia; Campus de Espinardo 30100 Murcia Spain
| | - José F. Calvo
- Departamento de Ecología e Hidrología; Universidad de Murcia; Campus de Espinardo 30100 Murcia Spain
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Cryan PM, Stricker CA, Wunder MB. Evidence of cryptic individual specialization in an opportunistic insectivorous bat. J Mammal 2012. [DOI: 10.1644/11-mamm-s-162.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
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High Trophic Similarity in the Sympatric North European Trawling Bat Species Myotis daubentonii and Myotis dasycneme. ACTA CHIROPTEROLOGICA 2012. [DOI: 10.3161/150811012x661666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Voigt CC, Voigt-Heucke SL, Schneeberger K. Isotopic Data Do Not Support Food Sharing Within Large Networks of Female Vampire Bats (Desmodus rotundus). Ethology 2011. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0310.2011.02004.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Rakotondranary SJ, Struck U, Knoblauch C, Ganzhorn JU. Regional, seasonal and interspecific variation in 15N and 13C in sympatric mouse lemurs. Naturwissenschaften 2011; 98:909-17. [PMID: 21881908 DOI: 10.1007/s00114-011-0840-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2011] [Revised: 08/17/2011] [Accepted: 08/19/2011] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Madagascar provides some of the rare examples where two or more primate species of the same genus and with seemingly identical niche requirements occur in sympatry. If congeneric primate species co-occur in other parts of the world, they differ in size in a way that is consistent with Hutchinson's rule for coexisting species, or they occupy different ecological niches. In some areas of Madagascar, mouse lemurs do not follow these "rules" and thus seem to violate one of the principles of community ecology. In order to understand the mechanisms that allow coexistence of sympatric congeneric species without obvious niche differentiation, we studied food composition of two identical sized omnivorous mouse lemur species, Microcebus griseorufus and M. murinus with the help of stable isotope analyses (δ(15)N and δ(13)C). The two species are closely related sister species. During the rich season, when food seems abundant, the two species do not differ in their nitrogen isotope composition, indicating that the two species occupy the same trophic level. But they differ in their δ(13)C values, indicating that M. griseorufus feeds more on C(4) and CAM (Crassulacean-acid-metabolism) plants than M. murinus. During the lean season, M. murinus has lower δ(15)N values, indicating that the two species feed at different trophic levels during times of food shortage. Hybrids between the two species showed intermediate food composition. The results reflect subtle differences in foraging or metabolic adaptations that are difficult to quantify by traditional observations but that represent possibilities to allow coexistence of species.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Jacques Rakotondranary
- Department of Animal Ecology and Conservation, University of Hamburg, Biozentrum Grindel, Martin-Luther-King Platz 3, 20146, Hamburg, Germany.
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