Altitudinal Patterns in Two Syntopic Species of Sturnira (Mammalia: Chiroptera: Phyllostomidae) in the Montane Rainforests of Argentina

SÁNCHEZ, MS; NORBERTO P. GIANNINI

BIOTROPICA

WILEY-BLACKWELL PUBLISHING, INC

Lugar: Londres; Año: 2013

0006-3606

We evaluated altitudinal segregation in two Sturnira species as a mechanism allowing their coexistence. Tests were devised to discern between interspecific interactions and regional responses to geographic and environmental variables, using extensive capture data from 18 montane rainforest sites. No significant correlation existed between captures; instead bats showed distinct responses to geographic and environmental variables consistent with historical occupation of highland versus lowland rainforest. Our results indicated that abundance patterns in these bats likely result from the regional distribution of each species rather than local interactions between them, a pattern that may have ancient roots within the group.