Updating the distribution of Vampyrum spectrum (Chiroptera, Phyllostomidae) in Colombia: new localities, potential distribution and notes on its conservation

Abstract

The Spectral Bat (Vampyrum spectrum) is classified as Near Threatened by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. In Colombia, it has not been included in any risk assessments, because it is a poorly documented species in the country. Using new occurrence data and ecological niche modelling we evaluate the distribution and analyze the species’ ecological and conservation needs in Colombia. With the new records, V. spectrum shows a distribution over six biogeographic provinces in the country, along an elevational range between 96 and 1750 m. The Spectral Bat has been reported in a wide variety of ecosystems from dry forest and fragmented landscapes, to forested areas. Predictive models suggest a wider presence of this species in the west of the country, center, and southern Andes. The limited number of specimens limits our attempt to evaluate morphometric variation among Colombian populations; however, we detect a variation in the mean value of the forearm and ear length regarding northeast South American populations. Areas with the greatest potential distribution detected in this study could be prioritized in conservation strategies, and make plans accordingly for this and other species that coexist in its range. Finally, we highlight the low representativeness of Protected Areas for the Spectral Bat and add some ecological notes about this rare species.

First Record of Vampyrum spectrum (Chiroptera: Phyllostomidae) in Valle del Cauca, Colombia

“…Palabras clave: Yotoco, Falso Vampiro, distribución geográfica Vampyrum spectrum (Linnaeus 1758) is the largest bat species reported for the Neotropics (Acosta & Azurduy 2006;Esquivel & Rodríguez-Bolaños 2018). It occurs in well-preserved forests and uses tree holes as shelters (Goodwin & Greenhall 1961;Esquivel et al 2020). It is a top predator among bats (Esquivel et al 2020) and its diet includes birds, rodents, and other bats (Gardner 1977;Navarro & Wilson 1982;Nunes et al 2005;Esquivel & Rodríguez-Bolaños 2018).…”

“…It occurs in well-preserved forests and uses tree holes as shelters (Goodwin & Greenhall 1961;Esquivel et al 2020). It is a top predator among bats (Esquivel et al 2020) and its diet includes birds, rodents, and other bats (Gardner 1977;Navarro & Wilson 1982;Nunes et al 2005;Esquivel & Rodríguez-Bolaños 2018). Despite the ecological importance of V. spectrum, many aspects of its natural history, population ecology, and current distribution remain poorly known (Esquivel et al 2020), partially because it is seldom recorded in inventories (Greenhall 1968;Solari 2018;Esquivel et al 2020).…”

“…Despite the ecological importance of V. spectrum, many aspects of its natural history, population ecology, and current distribution remain poorly known (Esquivel et al 2020), partially because it is seldom recorded in inventories (Greenhall 1968;Solari 2018;Esquivel et al 2020). In the case of Colombia, no more than 37 valid records have been confirmed since 1952 (Esquivel et al 2020). The known distribution of this species in the country extends across several ecosystems such as montane, humid and dry forests, xerophytic scrub, and savannas, and includes all six biogeographic regions of the country.…”

“…This limits the assessment of the conservation status of this bat species. In Colombia, V. spectrum is not included in any conservation plan or policy or the red book of threatened species (Esquivel et al 2020), although it is globally categorized as near threatened (NT) in the IUCN Red List.…”

“…0255 dated March 14th, 2014). Although ecological niche modeling predicted the distribution of V. spectrum in Valle del Cauca (Esquivel et al 2020), there were no records of voucher specimens in any biological collection, nor published papers on the distribution of this bat species in the region. This note constitutes the first physical record of the species V. spectrum, not only in Valle del Cauca but also in the Geographical Valley of the Cauca River.…”