The dynamics of tent‐roosts in the palm Sabal mauritiiformis and their use by bats in a montane dry forest

• DOI: 10.1111/btp.12532
• Publication Date: 2018-01-29T22:09:07Z
• Authors: Ana María Herrera...; Marlyn Zuluaga‐Egas; Vladimir Rojas‐Díaz; Leonor A. Valenzuela; Gustavo H. Kattan
• Keywords: Frugivore

Abstract Tent‐making bats modify leaves to build refuges. Leaf modification involves energetic and defense costs that should be balanced by the benefits of tent‐roosting. The alteration leaf's vascular system reduces tent's life expectancy, so obtain a benefit, are expected use tents regularly as long they remain functional not more than necessary. Over 2 yr, we documented dynamics tent construction Uroderma convexum other bat species in palm Sabal mauritiiformis Colombian transitional dry forest. We also assessed condition compared it nonmodified approximately same age focal palms. Probability U. varied between 57 percent during reproductive period 4 outside this period. Bats cut main vein folioles, partially affecting water transport leaf. However, there were no differences deterioration scores or rates over 1 yr. During 48 lost for different causes, but loss was 51 new tents. Thus, maintained an excess usable Palm long‐lived seem preadapted sustain damage viable, particularly growing environments. present several hypotheses explain advantage maintaining surplus.