Opportunistic predation events of bats entangled in mist nets by margay Leopardus wiedii (Schinz, 1821) in northwest Honduras: recommendations to avoid preventable casualties.

Abstract

Predation of entangled bats captured in mist-nets is common but infrequently documented. As such, this welfare issue is often not considered when mist-netting surveys are being designed. Margays (Leoparduswiedii) are small neotropical cats that are known to have a varied diet and exhibit opportunistic hunting behaviour. Despite bats not having been frequently reported as a prey item for margays, studies on this felid’s feeding ecology remain scarce. We discuss the potential for margays to feed on bats when they become entangled in mist nets, providing two examples from Cusuco National Park, Honduras. In light of this, we provide recommendations as to how such opportunistic predation events can be mitigated in future surveys.

Global review and guidelines to avoid opportunistic predation of birds and bats in mist nets

“…Thus, in the case of viewing predators such as owls or currawongs (Lowe, 1989), we recommend that researchers remain close to the mist nets. Alternatively, researchers can move mist nets or cancel sampling nights as predators learn the location of the nets and which animals are most vulnerable to being entangled (see Gallego et al, 2021).…”

“…Alternatively, researchers can move mist nets or cancel sampling nights as predators learn the location of the nets and which animals are most vulnerable to being entangled (see Gallego et al, 2021).…”

“…In addition, this type of predation may be occurring due to the nonuse of different recommendations and guidelines that can be found in the literature. (e.g., Carvalho et al, 2016;Gallego et al, 2021;Guimarães et al, 2020;Lowe, 1989;The North American Banding Council, 2001;Ralph et al, 1993;Serra-Gonçalves et al, 2017).…”

“…The height at which the mist nets are set up, together with the interval between mist-net checks, has already been shown by different studies to be the main driver of the occurrence of opportunistic predation in birds and bats (see Carvalho et al, 2016;Gallego et al, 2021;Guimarães et al, 2020;Serra-Gonçalves et al, 2017).…”

“…Opportunistic predation is when a potential predator takes advantage of the fact that its prey is unable to react (in this case, entangled in the mesh of the mist net), attacking it, killing it, and consuming it whole or in parts (e.g., Breviglieri & Pedro, 2010;Carvalho et al, 2016;Ruiz-Esparza et al, 2012;Serra-Gonçalves et al, 2017;Spotswood et al, 2012). Different opportunistic predators of birds and bats have been reported in the literature, among them ants, spiders, amphibians, reptiles (including lizards and snakes), birds, opossum, wild and domestic canids and cats, primates, and bats (Breviglieri & Pedro, 2010;Brito et al, 2007;Brooks, 2000;Carvalho et al, 2011Carvalho et al, , 2016Castro et al, 2011;Clewley et al, 2018;Curcino et al, 2009;Gallego et al, 2021;Gazarini et al, 2008;Hilário et al, 2017;Legal et al, 2018;Melo et al, 2018;Novaes et al, 2010;Ross, 2010;Serra-Gonçalves et al, 2017).…”