Murciélagos polinizadores del Noreste de México

Abstract

Bats are one of the most threatened groups of mammals in the world. In Mexico more than a quarter of all the bat species are listed under a risk category. Species of the tribe Glossophagini (Phyllostomidae) are especially vulnerable due to their specialized diet and the limited availability of roosts (caves) with the conditions that these species require. Three nectar-feeding bats are found in Northeastern Mexico: Choeronycteris mexicana, Leptonycteris nivalis and L. yerbabuenae, the first two are considered threatened under national criteria (NOM-059-SEMARNAT-2010). The principal nectar source for these three bat species in Northeastern Mexico are plants of the genus Agave subgenus Agave (Asparagaceae) that have chiropterophilous flower syndrome, thus, bats are considered their most efficient pollinators. These plants, also known as “magueyes”, are key in arid and semiarid ecosystems because they prevent soil erosion, and provide refugee and food to many animal species. Moreover, several Agave species are important as an income source for rural communities because they are used to produce fibers, aguamiel, and traditional beverages such as mezcal. The objective of this work is to present a review of the state of knowledge of the nectar-feeding bat species that inhabit Northeast Mexico and the main threats they face in relation to the loss of foraging sites (flowering agave). The loss of pollinating bats leads to a reduction in the genetic diversity of the plants they pollinate, increasing their vulnerability to the current environmental changes.