Wing morphology, echolocation, and resource partitioning in syntopic Cuban mormoopid bats

• DOI: 10.1644/11-mamm-a-331.1
• Publication Date: 2012-10-19T12:26:36Z
• Authors: Carlos A. Mancina; Lainet García-Rivera; Bruce W. Miller
• Keywords: Human echolocation; Myotis lucifugus; Morphology

In this study we combine analyses of wing morphology, echolocation calls, and temporal spatial activity patterns to explore mechanisms ecological partitioning among 4 syntopic Antillean mormoopids (Pteronotus macleayii, P. parnellii, quadridens, Mormoops blainvillei). We captured bats with mist nets harp traps, monitored bat using automated Anabat systems for 31 nights at Sierra del Rosario Biosphere Reserve in Cuba. The morphologies (very low wing-loading average-aspect ratio) calls (broadband steep frequency-modulated high frequencies) all species suggest that Cuban are adapted slow maneuverable flight, adequate hunting insects by aerial hawking background-cluttered habitat. However, our data show each has a combination call characters, presumably reflecting differences their foraging behavior microhabitat use. All were present the 3 sampling sites majority showed similar rates site. Thus, did not find strong evidence segregation during foraging. overall levels higher primary forest when compared 2 secondary-growth forests. Most pair-wise comparisons between significant, suggesting segregation. Our structure, morphological behavioral factors could facilitate resource mormoopid bats.