Caracterización inicial de la diversidad y composición de murciélagos (Mammalia, Chiroptera) en dos cavernas de la vereda la Esmeralda, Villeta

Abstract

In this study, an initial characterization of bats was conducted, where alpha and beta diversity were estimated in two caves located in the municipality of Villeta, in the La Esmeralda village. A total of 459 individuals were recorded, belonging to 5 species. Different methods were used for direct and indirect sampling. Based on the analyses conducted, it was determined that the San Isidro cave maintained the highest species richness (5 species), Glossophaga soricina, Carollia perspicillata, Desmodus rotundus, Artibeus obscurus y Peropteryx macrotis Peropteryx macrotis, ,with G. soricina representing the highest abundance (177 individuals). Alpha and beta diversity were generated using Hill numbers estimation and Sorensen indices, revealing marked differences between the La Esmeralda and San Isidro caves in structural and altitudinal terms, indicating a significant difference in ecological parameters.