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A. Ditchfield

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Papers by A. Ditchfield

Diversity and Abundance of Roadkilled Bats in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest

by A. Ditchfield and Lucas Damásio

Diversity, 2021

Faunal mortality from roadkill has a negative impact on global biodiversity, and bats are among t... more Faunal mortality from roadkill has a negative impact on global biodiversity, and bats are among the roadkilled animals. In South America, the Atlantic Forest covers southeastern Brazil, a region which sustains a large bat diversity. In this biome, the Sooretama reserves are crossed by the federal highway BR-101, one of the busiest in Brazil. We analyzed bats roadkilled along the 25 km stretch of highway that crosses the Sooretama reserves. Data were collected between the years 2010 and 2015. In total, 773 individuals distributed among 47 bat species were roadkilled during this period. The insectivorous feeding guild was the most affected, accounting for 25 species and 74% of the recorded roadkill, and those flying in the open area were the most frequently roadkilled (41.9%). Bat mortality rates did not differ between months of the year. However, the relation between rainy days and roadkill was negative. Monitoring by foot was more efficient than by car for detection of bat carcasses...

format_quoteThis study found roadkilled bat diversity at 40% of Atlantic Forest species, the highest for global highway studies, highlighting conservation concerns.format_quote

First occurrence of the recently described Patricia’s Disk-winged bat Thyroptera wynneae (Chiroptera: Thyropteridae) in Espírito Santo, southeastern Brazil

Check List, 2014

They can easily be distinguished from other Neotropical bats by the presence of circular or oval ... more They can easily be distinguished from other Neotropical bats by the presence of circular or oval adhesive disks at the base of the thumbs and soles of the feet, which gives them their popular name of Disk-winged bats or New World Sucker-footed bats, after the Old World Sucker-footed bats from the family Myzopodidae that have adhesive disks similar in appearance, however with different anatomical and evolutionary origins (i.e., they evolved convergently) Schliemann and Goodman 2011). Furthermore, thyropterids have an elongated, slender muzzle; circular and well-separated nares; small size (forearm length = 31-41 mm); funnel-shaped ears; and the third and fourth toes, including the claws, are fused . The Patricia's Disk-winged bat Thyroptera wynneae was recently described by from material collected in northeastern Peru and southeastern Brazil, and is one of the smallest members of the genus (forearm length = 33.0-34.2 mm). Thyroptera wynneae and T. discifera overlap in size, but can be separated by the tricolored ventral pelage of the former, unique within the genus, as T. discifera and T. tricolor have unicolored ventral pelage, and T. devivoi and T. lavali, bicolored ventral pelage . The overall coloration of the pelage is grayish brown in T. devivoi, yellowish brown in T. discifera, medium brown in T. lavali, white or whitish in T. tricolor, and light brown in T. wynneae. Unique to T. wynneae is the rostrum considerably shorter than the braincase; and the height of the lower incisors, which are subequal compared to differently sized lower incisors in the remaining thyropterids ).

Bat community species richness and composition in a restinga protected area in Southeastern Brazil

Brazilian Journal of Biology, 2009

In Brazil, restingas are under severe human-induced impacts resulting in habitat degradation and ... more In Brazil, restingas are under severe human-induced impacts resulting in habitat degradation and loss and remain one of the less frequently studied ecosystems. The main objectives of the present study are to describe the bat community in a restinga in Paulo Cesar Vinha State Park, Guarapari municipality, state of Espírito Santo, southeastern Brazil. Fieldwork was conducted twice a month from August 2004 to September 2005. A total sampling effort of 40,300 m²/h, represents the largest sampling effort for sampling bats in restingas to date. Bats were sampled in five different vegetational types in the area. Captured bats were processed recording information on species, sex, age, forearm length and weight. Shannon Diversity and Jaccard indexes were used to analyse diversity and similarity among habitats in the Park. A total of 554 captures belonging to 14 species and two families were obtained. Noctilio leporinus was recorded through direct observation and an ultra-sound detector also ...

format_quoteThe study achieved the highest diversity index (H' = 1.43) recorded for bats in restinga ecosystems compared to previous research.format_quote

First occurrence of Nyctinomops macrotis (Gray, 1839) (Chiroptera: Molossidae) in Espírito Santo, southeastern Brazil

Check List, 2014

The first occurrence of Nyctinomops macrotis (Gray, 1839) in Espírito Santo state, Southeastern B... more The first occurrence of Nyctinomops macrotis (Gray, 1839) in Espírito Santo state, Southeastern Brazil is reported. A specimen was registered in Vitória, capital of the state, on January 26th, 2011. Morphological aspects of this species are discussed. External and cranial measurements obtained for the specimen and a map with the current known records for the N. macrotis in Brazil are provided.

The use of PCR-RFLP as an identification tool for two closely related species of bats of genus Platyrrhinus

Genetics and Molecular Biology, 2005

The bat species Platyrrhinus lineatus and P. recifinus (Phyllostomidae: Stenodermatinae) are ecol... more The bat species Platyrrhinus lineatus and P. recifinus (Phyllostomidae: Stenodermatinae) are ecologically important because of their capacity for seed dispersal. P. recifinus is endemic to the Atlantic rain forest and is considered vulnerable by the IUCN. The lack of distinct morphological features makes identification of the two species a difficult task. This study was aimed at testing the hypothesis that these are actually two distinct species by using PCR-RFLP of the mitochondrial cytocrome b gene. The results showed no shared haplotypes, demonstrating that these are, in fact, two distinct species. No polymorphism was obtained for P. recifinus, which could be a sign of low genetic diversity in this threatened species.

Patterns of diversification in two species of short-tailed bats (Carollia Gray, 1838): the effects of historical fragmentation of Brazilian rainforests

Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2011

The small-sized frugivorous bat Carollia perspicillata is an understory specialist and occurs in ... more The small-sized frugivorous bat Carollia perspicillata is an understory specialist and occurs in a wide range of lowland habitats, tending to be more common in tropical dry or moist forests of South and Central America. Its sister species, Carollia brevicauda, occurs almost exclusively in the Amazon rainforest. A recent phylogeographic study proposed a hypothesis of origin and subsequent diversification for C. perspicillata along the Atlantic coastal forest of Brazil. Additionally, it also found two allopatric clades for C. brevicauda separated by the Amazon Basin. We used cytochrome b gene sequences and a more extensive sampling to test hypotheses related to the origin and diversification of C. perspicillata plus C. brevicauda clade in South America. The results obtained indicate that there are two sympatric evolutionary lineages within each species. In C. perspicillata, one lineage is limited to the Southern Atlantic Forest, whereas the other is widely distributed. Coalescent analysis points to a simultaneous origin for C. perspicillata and C. brevicauda, although no place for the diversification of each species can be firmly suggested. The phylogeographic pattern shown by C. perspicillata is also congruent with the Pleistocene refugia hypothesis as a likely vicariant phenomenon shaping the present distribution of its intraspecific lineages.

New Genus and Species of Nectar-Feeding Bat in the Tribe Lonchophyllini (Phyllostomidae: Glossophaginae) from Northeastern Brazil

Journal of Mammalogy, 2005

A new genus and species in the tribe Lonchophyllini, subfamily Glossophaginae (Chiroptera: Phyllo... more A new genus and species in the tribe Lonchophyllini, subfamily Glossophaginae (Chiroptera: Phyllostomidae) is described based on the analysis of 4 specimens collected in 3 different localities in a semiarid area of northeastern Brazil. The presence of a groove and filiform papillae on the lateral side of the tongue places this taxon as a member of the tribe Lonchophyllini. Fourteen cranial and dental characters distinguish the new genus from all other genera in the tribe (Lonchophylla, Lionycteris, and Platalina). The new genus is characterized by the presence of inward-facing molars on the palate; the loss of the cingulum in P3 and P4; the reduction or lack of the metastyle and preprotocrest in M1, ectoflexus, preprotocrest, and postprotocrest in M2, and postprotocrest in M3; and loss of hypoflexid, metacristid, entocristid, and entoconid on m1-3. A wider gap also occurs between lower incisors and canines than in other genera of Lonchophyllini. The palate in the new genus presents an unusual morphology. The palate of members of this genus is the longest among lonchophyllines and has 4 pits that permit the insertion of the main cusps of the lower last premolar and all 3 lower molars. Cladistic analysis suggests that the new genus is sister to Platalina.

format_quoteXeronycteris vieirai's restricted habitat raises conservation concerns due to habitat loss from agriculture and logging in northeastern Brazil.format_quote

Mapping the distribution of the interstitial telomeric (TTAGGG)< sub> n</sub> sequences in eight species of Brazilian marsupials (Didelphidae) by FISH and the …

… and genome research, 2000

... Palma RE, Yates TL: The chromosomes of Bolivian didelphid marsupials. ... W, Van Den Berghe H... more

First occurrence of the recently described Patricia's Disk-winged bat Thyroptera wynneae (Chiroptera: Thyropteridae) in Espírito Santo, southeastern Brazil

We report the first confirmed record of the family Thyropteridae and the recently described speci... more We report the first confirmed record of the family Thyropteridae and the recently described species Thyroptera wynneae Velazco et al. 2014 to the Espírito Santo state, southeastern Brazil, representing a range extension eastward of about 250 km for the species. The specimen was collected on a highway (BR-101), run over by a vehicle, in the Reserva Biológica de Sooretama, on October 25th, 2010.

First occurrence of Nyctinomops macrotis (Gray, 1839) (Chiroptera: Molossidae) in Espírito Santo, southeastern Brazil

The first occurrence of Nyctinomops macrotis (Gray, 1839) in Espírito Santo state, Southeastern B... more The first occurrence of Nyctinomops macrotis (Gray, 1839) in Espírito Santo state, Southeastern Brazil is reported. A specimen was registered in Vitória, capital of the state, on January 26th, 2011. Morphological aspects of this species are discussed. External and cranial measurements obtained for the specimen and a map with the current known records for the N. macrotis in Brazil are provided.

Molecular Systematics of the Genus Artibeus (Chiroptera: Phyllostomidae)

Molecular phylogenetics …, 2008

A molecular phylogeny of the genus Artibeus using 19 of the 20 recognized species, many with samp... more A molecular phylogeny of the genus Artibeus using 19 of the 20 recognized species, many with samples from a broad geographic range, is presented. The analysis shows a clear distinction between the two subgenera (or genera), the 'large' Artibeus and the 'small' Dermanura, in both mitochondrial and nuclear genes. The placement and status of A. concolor remains inconclusive and is presented as the third subgenus Koopmania. The phylogenies and divergence time estimates show a marked influence of the Andes in the formation of the subgenera and the main lineages inside each subgenus. Nuclear genes showed a highly incomplete lineage sorting among species inside subgenera Artibeus and Dermanura. Indeed, shared alleles were also found between Artibeus and Koopmania, which are presumed to have split apart during the Miocene, showing that great care should be taken in using these markers. Cytochrome-b gene divergences and monophyly analyses suggest that A. lituratus and A. intermedius are indeed conspecifics. These analyses also suggested the existence of at least four 'new' species revealing a significant cryptic diversity inside the genus.

format_quoteArtibeus diversification began around 13.2 million years ago, leading to distinct clades for large and small species, impacting their evolutionary study.format_quote

Bat community species richness and composition in a restinga protected area in Southeastern Brazil

In Brazil, restingas are under severe human-induced impacts resulting in habitat degradation and ... more In Brazil, restingas are under severe human-induced impacts resulting in habitat degradation and loss and remain one of the less frequently studied ecosystems. The main objectives of the present study are to describe the bat community in a restinga in Paulo Cesar Vinha State Park, Guarapari municipality, state of Espírito Santo, southeastern Brazil. Fieldwork was conducted twice a month from August 2004 to September 2005. A total sampling effort of 40,300 m2/h, represents the largest sampling effort for sampling bats in restingas to date. Bats were sampled in five different vegetational types in the area. Captured bats were processed recording information on species, sex, age, forearm length and weight. Shannon Diversity and Jaccard indexes were used to analyse diversity and similarity among habitats in the Park. A total of 554 captures belonging to 14 species and two families were obtained. Noctilio leporinus was recorded through direct observation and an ultra-sound detector also ...

format_quoteTotal sampling effort reached 40,300 m²/h with 554 bat captures, achieving a capture success rate of 0.013 captures/m²/h.format_quote

Roost use by bats in Espírito Santo, Brazil: comparison of a protected area, a rural landscape, and an urban landscape

UNED Research Journal, 2011

Bats use a wide array of roosts that have several important roles for bats. The present study was... more Bats use a wide array of roosts that have several important roles for bats. The present study was conducted in three areas in the state of Espírito Santo, southeastern Brazil: a protected area, a rural landscape, and an urban landscape. In each area we actively searched for roosts, and when one was found we set mist-nets (from one to four, depending on roost size) close to the roost entrance. These mist-nets stayed open from three to six hours after sunset. We observed bats using several types of roosts: hollow trees, foliage, caves, rock crevices, buildings, abandoned houses, bridges, and rain pipes. We found a total of 12 roosts, four in each sampled area. To our knowledge we present the first record of Lonchorhina aurita using man-made roosts. Roosts are of paramount importance to the persistence of bat populations. Therefore, bat roost ecology will play a vital role in managing and conserving bat species.KEY WORDSRoost ecology, urban landscape, rural landscape, Atlantic Forest, ...

Mammalia, Chiroptera, Phyllostomidae, Chiroderma doriae: first record for the state of Espírito Santo, Brazil, and distribution map

Check List, 2009

Phyllostomus elongatus is intermediate, in size, between P. hastatus and P. discolor. Its measure... more Phyllostomus elongatus is intermediate, in size, between P. hastatus and P. discolor. Its measurements include: total length (head, body and tail) 99 to 115 mm; tail 14 to 27 mm; forearm 61 to 71 mm; and weight 30 to 57 g (see Nogueira et al. 2007). Mensural data, in addition to wing tip color, fur color, dental morphology, and size of maxillary incisors, can easily differentiate the species (Rodríguez-Posada and Sánchez-Palomino 2009). Other characters may also assist in the identification of P. elongatus, including long ears, larger than the head and with rounded edges, welldeveloped noseleaf with a pointed end, and calcar longer than the foot (Vieira 1942; Husson 1962).

Range extension of Mimon bennettii (Chiroptera: Phyllostomidae) in Brazil with comments on its systematics

Mammalia, 2016

is widely distributed in South America. In Brazil, records are mainly concentrated in the Atlanti... more

Diferentes métodos de regeneração florestal podem interferir na comunidade local de morcegos?

Mastozoologia Neotropical

RESUMO. Em regiões tropicais, onde interações entre animais e plantas são muito comuns, a efetivi... more RESUMO. Em regiões tropicais, onde interações entre animais e plantas são muito comuns, a efetividade das técnicas de restauração ambiental depende dos animais presentes na área e disponíveis para dispersão de frutas ou sementes. Desta forma, o monitoramento da fauna é um bom indicador do processo de regeneração da mata. Nosso objetivo foi verificar se áreas regeneradas por diferentes métodos na ARIE Morro da Vargem, Ibiraçu, Espírito Santo, apresentam diferenças na riqueza e na composição de espécies e de guildas tróficas de morcegos. Foram realizadas 29 noites de coleta (julho de 2006 a julho 2007), sendo 6 noites de captura na Mata (fragmento florestal), 6 noites no Camará (regeneração com intervenção), 8 no Bosque (regeneração com intervenção) e 9 na Capoeira (regeneração natural). Foram obtidas 564 capturas e 26 espécies. A riqueza estimada foi maior para o Bosque e Camará do que para a Capoeira e a Mata. As áreas não são diferentes com relação à composição de espécies e de guildas tróficas de morcegos. A menor riqueza de espécies na área de Mata pode ser explicada por esta ser um fragmento florestal restrito ao topo de um morro. Já no Bosque as diferentes espécies vegetais plantadas podem fornecer recursos para os morcegos em boa parte do ano. A extensa área de vida das espécies de morcegos e a proximidade entre as áreas comparadas podem ser algumas explicações para a similaridade da composição de espécies e de guildas entre as áreas amostradas. ABSTRACT. Can forest regeneration methods affect local bat communities? In tropical regions, where plantanimal interactions are widespread, the effectiveness of environmental restoration techniques is dependent on the animal species present and available for fruit and seed dispersal. Therefore, monitoring the local fauna can be a good indicator of the forest regeneration process. Our goal in this study was to verify whether areas reforested by different regeneration methods in Morro da Vargem, municipality of Ibiraçu in the state of Espírito Santo, southeastern Brazil, present differences in bat species richness and composition, and in bat trophic guild number. We carried out 29 capture nights, between July 2006 and July 2007, being 6 nights in the Mata area (a pristine forest fragment), 6 nights in the Camará area (regeneration with some level of human intervention), 8 nights in the Bosque area (regeneration with some level of human intervention), and 9 nights in the Capoeira area (natural regeneration). We obtained 564 captures with 26 species. The estimated richness was greater in Bosque and Camará areas than in Capoeira and Mata. We found no differences between areas regarding species composition and trophic guilds. The lower species richness in the Mata area can be explained by its location, on a hilltop. On the other hand, the exotic plant species found in the Bosque area may provide resources year

<p>Mammalia, Chiroptera, Phyllostomidae, <em>Phyllostomus hastatus </em>and <em>Pygoderma bilabiatum</em>: First occurrence in the Brazilian coastal shrubland ecosystem</p>

Check List, 2007

format_quoteFirst record of Phyllostomus hastatus and Pygoderma bilabiatum in coastal shrubland, crucial for understanding habitat adaptability.format_quote

The comparative phylogeography of Neotropical mammals: patterns of intraspecific mitochondrial DNA variation among bats contrasted to nonvolant small mammals

Molecular Ecology, 2000

The major aim of this study was to compare the phylogeographic patterns of codistributed bats and... more The major aim of this study was to compare the phylogeographic patterns of codistributed bats and small nonvolant Neotropical mammals. Cytochrome b sequences (mitochondrial DNA) were obtained for a total of 275 bats representing 17 species. The tissue samples were collected in coastal Brazil, and were available from Mexico and the Guyana. The study concentrates on four species (Artibeus lituratus, Carollia perspicillata, Sturnira lilium and Glossophaga soricina) which were well represented. The other 13 species were sequenced to test the generality of the patterns observed. In general, sequence divergence values within species were low, with most bat species presenting less than 4% average sequence divergence, and usually between 1 and 2.5%. Clades of highly similar haplotypes enjoyed broad distribution on a continental scale. These clades were not usually geographically structured, and at a given locality the number of haplotypes was high (8-10). As distance increased, some moderately divergent clades were found, although the levels of divergence were low. This suggests a geographical effect that varied depending on species and scale. Small nonvolant mammals almost invariably have high levels of sequence divergence (&gt; 10%) for cytochrome b over much shorter distances (&lt; 1000 km). The grain of intraspecific variation found in small nonvolant mammals is much finer than in bats. Low levels of geographical structuring cannot be attributed to a slower evolutionary rate of bat DNA in relation to other mammalian taxa. The phylogeographic pattern of bats contrasts sharply with the pattern found for Neotropical rodents and marsupials.

New record of Lasiurus blossevillii (Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae) for the restinga ecosystem, and second occurrence for the state of Espírito Santo, southeastern Brazil

mammalia, 2000

Mammal Conservation in Brazil

Conservation Biology, 2005

Brazil is the fifth largest country in the world and the first of the megadiversity countries, ac... more Brazil is the fifth largest country in the world and the first of the megadiversity countries, accounting for roughly 14% of the world's biota. It has the largest mammal diversity (more than 530 described species) with many yet to be discovered and cataloged. Very few sites have been adequately surveyed, and local lists are usually incomplete, which makes for knowledge gaps that hamper conservation and management initiatives and regional analyses. According to the Brazilian Institute for the Environment (IBAMA), 66 species are threatened, and the World Conservation Union lists 74. Primates, mostly Atlantic Forest endemics, are the most endangered group (40% of the threatened taxa). Carnivores and rodents are also notable members of the lists. Twenty-nine percent of listed species are marine, 18% occur in the Atlantic Forest, 13% in the Pampas, 12% in the Cerrado, 11% in the Pantanal, 7% in the Amazon, and 6% in the Caatinga. Human-induced habitat loss and fragmentation are major threats to land mammals in Brazil, and large-and medium-sized mammals are hunted. The major threat to small mammals is the scarcity of basic scientific knowledge-taxonomy, systematics, distribution, and natural history. Aquatic mammals are threatened by commercial hunting, accidental netting, long-line fisheries, chemical pollution, habitat degradation, tourism, and boat traffic. Mammal conservation has benefited from a number of recent initiatives by government and nongovernmental organizations, including legislation, nationwide initiatives to define priority areas for conservation, management plans for some threatened species, sustainable landscape planning, and new protected areas. Given the rate of habitat loss, a nationwide program of short-and long-term field surveys and increased support for natural history collections is of particularly urgency. Progress has been made toward conserving Brazilian mammals in recent years, but threats are growing fast, and conservation science must keep growing to provide the wherewithal to minimize and remove these threats. Conservación de Mamíferos en Brasil Resumen: Brasil es el quinto país más grande del mundo y el primero de los países megadiversos, con casi 14% de la biota mundial. Tiene la mayor diversidad de mamíferos (más de 530 especies descritas) con aun mucho por descubrir y catalogar. Pocos sitios han sido muestreados adecuadamente, y las listas locales generalmente están incompletas, lo que constituye huecos de conocimiento que obstaculizan iniciativas de conservación y manejo y análisis regionales. De acuerdo con el Instituto Brasileño del Medio Ambiente (IBAMA), sesenta y seis especies están amenazadas, y la Unión de Conservación Mundial enlista 74. Los Primates, principalmente endémicos del bosque Atlántico, son el grupo en mayor peligro. Veintinueve porciento de las especies enlistadas son marinas, 18% ocurren en el bosque Atlántico, 13% en las Pampas, 12% en el Cerrado, 11% en el Pantanal, 7% en el Amazonas y 6% en la Caatinga. La pérdida y fragmentación de hábitat inducida por humanos son las mayores amenazas a mamíferos terrestres en Brasil, y los mamíferos medianos y grandes son cazados. La mayor amenaza a mamíferos pequeños es la escasez de conocimiento científico básico-taxonomía, sistemática, distribución e historia natural. Los mamíferos acuáticos están amenazados por la cacería comercial, captura accidental en redes, pesquerías, contaminación química, degradación del hábitat, turismo y tráfico de barcos. La conservación de mamíferos se ha beneficiado de un número de iniciativas recientes del gobierno y de organizaciones no gubernamentales, incluyendo legislación, iniciativas

format_quoteIntensive conservation efforts for four lion tamarin species involve ecology research, captive breeding, and habitat restoration, showcasing successful partnerships between government and NGOs.format_quote