Scientific research as a background for conservation of bats in Argentina

DÍAZ M. MÓNICA; BARQUEZ R.M.

Mendoza, Argentina

Workshop; IMC-10 International Mammalogical Congress; 2009

International Federation of Mammalogists

The studies on bats developed in Argentina along the last 30 years, has allowed us to know reasonably well the systematic anddistribution of the species, as well as the most important problems affecting their survival in natural and anthropic habitats, andthe factors disturbing their natural populations by human actions. These activities and results were used as foundational criterionsto impulse the creation of a national program of conservation, the PCMA (Programa de Conservación de los Murciélagos deArgentina) (Program for Conservation of the Bats of Argentina). Currently the program is distributed in most parts of the country,with provincial branches, consisting of members who work with agencies to guide and promote the implementation of legislationto protect the species. The PCMA includes researchers, students and citizens interested in preserving species and committedto donate their time and efforts voluntarily to achieve the objectives. Educational activities at all levels of public education arealso being carried out. We here present the most important achievements of the program, and the potential problems for theconservation of the species. An overview of the harmful and beneficial species (non problematic) of Argentina will be presented,as well as the differences of judgments to protect them and the possibilities to implement some conservation strategies. The current situation will be tested trying to understand why a government can possibly support studies related to harmful species,but not of species that cause non-visible benefits. Finally, another aspect to discuss is the necessity to stimulate a SouthAmerican integrated system for the general protection of the species, with particular interest in the migratory ones