Leaf-roost selection of Carludovica palmata by tent-making bat Dermanura watsoni in Piro Biological Station, Península de Osa, Costa Rica
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.18636/bioneotropical.v5i1.190Keywords:
Habitat characteristics, Logistic regression, Rainforest, Roost selection.Abstract
Roosting ecology is one of the most important aspects in the evolution of bats. In tent-making bats, the correct selection of the leaves used for the construction of its tents is key in terms of energy cost and cost-benefit carry out. Objective: The aim of this study was to identify features of Carludovica palmata leaves and the environment that are relevant to build tents by Dermanura watsoni in Peninsula de Osa. Methods: Different measures of 46 C. palmata plants (tents n=28, control n=18) were taken. Logistic regression models were used to determine whether or not leaf selection by D. watsoni and were evaluated using the Akaike information criterion to see which model best explains this selection. Results: Leaf size, leaf height from the ground and petiole diameter were the more important characteristics in the roost selection by D. watsoni. A high percentage of canopy cover was on sites with tents. Conclusions: Ours findings in this study show that D. watsoni is highly strict when choosing the leaf and the place where it roost, also showing a preference for mature secondary forest succession, showing the importance of these environment for the survival of this species.
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