We report the results of small mammals inventories conducted in the region of Jaíba, northern Minas Gerais state, southeastern Brazil, from 1990 to 1995. This region is located in the southern limit of the Caatinga biome, and harbors a unique set of natural ecosystems and extensive agricultural areas. With a total effort of 2964 trap-nights and 44 net sessions, we captured 893 small mammals from 46 species, including four marsupials, 13 rodents, and 29 bats. We report on species that are endemic to the Caatinga (Wiedomys pyrrhorhinos and Xeronycteris vieirai), and species that are new to the mammal fauna of the state of Minas Gerais (Tonatia saurophila, X. vieirai, and Myotis lavali). We also provide the first valid voucher-supported record of Micronycteris sanborni from southeastern Brazil, and extend the known range of X. vieirai 800 km southward. All bats highlighted here as endemic or representing new records were associated to limestone outcrops, suggesting that preservation of this kind of habitat may be particularly relevant to the conservation of these mammals.

Observations about Rhynchonycteris naso (WIED-NEUWIED, 1820) and Noctilio albiventris DESMAREST, 1818 (MAMMALIA, CHIROPTERA)Observations about Rhynchonycteris naso and Noctilio albiventris were carried out in the Jaíba region, northern Minas Gerais State, Brazil. Colonies of these bats were found in association with watercourses in areas under considerable antropic influence. The night activity of both species began about half an hour after sunset during approximately one hour. A second period of activity was noted in R. naso, and in the majority of N. albiventris. These bats used temporary night roosts, observing formation of clusters in the later. Capture, with mist-nets, of lactating females in April and October suggest that in this area both species present a bimodal poliestric reproductive pattern, with peaks of births at the beginning and the end of wet season (October to March). The occurrence in sympatry of these species must be facilitated by the greater opportunism of N. albiventris in relation to the foraging areas and due to its capacity of exploring aquatic insects.

The present study reports an extension of the geographic range of the phyllostomid bat Mimon crenulatum. This is the first record of this species in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Southeastern Brazil. Bats were captured in two conservation units of the Atlantic Forest. Data on the ecology and morphometry of the individuals are presented and compared with data recorded for other localities. The occurrence of this bat species in the region, though new, is consistent with information on its natural history found in the literature.

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Saccopteryx leptura (Schreber, 1774) is reported from two new localities in southeastern Brazil, both in Atlantic forest remains in the state of Rio de Janeiro. Analysisof food material showed that individuals from both localities had preyedon insects in the order Hymenoptera. Cheek contents were available from one specimen, and in this case identification of the food item (flying ants) achieved generic level (Pheidole Westwood, 1841). Aspects in the social behavior observed in a colony suggest that the same traits documented in Central American populations (small colonies, monogamic mating system, and retention of young for up to a year in the parental unit) may also characterize this species in the southern most part of its range. In both external and craniodental selected measurements, specimens from Rio de Janeiro were close to the upper limits of the ranges known for the species