Bat species vulnerability to forest fragmentation in the Central Amazon
Year: 2013
Type: dissertation
Abstract: 1. To understand the ecological trait interspecific variation on the capacity of bat species to persist in fragments and recolonize new patches in the fragmented landscape is fundamental for the creation of conservation effective plans. In this context, the study assesses 26 bat species vulnerability in a forest fragmentation local scale with low fragment-matrix contrast. 2. The study was carried out in Biological Dynamics of Forest Fragments Project (BDFFP), Central Amazon, Brazil. Bats were captured over a 2-year period in 8 forest fragments and 3 control plots of continuous forest, considering the interior, the edge and the matrix at the each local. The ecological traits values were obtained from our capture data and/or literature: (1) abundance in continuous forest, (2) body mass, (3) edge-sensibility, (4) matrix tolerance, (5) trophic level, (6) dietary specialization, (7) vertical stratification, (8) mobility, (9) wing morphology, (10) ecological scaled landscape indices (ESLIs). After phylogenetic correction, these variables were used separately and in combination to assess their association with two indices of fragmentation sensitivity: species prevalence (proportion of fragments occupied) and change in abundance. The correlation between the different traits and the environmental gradients were assessed using the RLQ and fourth-corner analysis. 3. Model selection based on Akaike’s information criterion identified abundance in continuous forest as the best correlate of vulnerability to fragmentation. The main positive relationships found for the RLQ analysis was between abundance in continuous forest and forest fragmentation, and animalivorous bats and continuous forests. Abundance in continuous forest and trophic level also showed positive correlations with the fragmentation according to fourth-corner analysis, as well as edge-sense and matrix tolerance. 4. Synthesis and applications. Our results support that environmental filters and ecological traits consistently shape the bat assemblages in BDFFP fragmented landscape. The fragmented landscape will selectively benefit the most abundant, more matrix tolerant, less edge-sensitive and frugivorous species. The structural and functional connectivity among remnant patches is a main factor allowing persistence and dispersal of the species, mainly of those with low ability to use the matrix and the small fragments (≤ 10 ha). As a practical suggestion to minimize local extinctions, investment in the creation, restoration and maintenance of natural corridors is recommended, as well as the management of the matrix by improving its quality.
Author: Fábio Z. Farneda
Language: English
Domain: Life Sciences
SDG: Life on land
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W72417787