Abstract

ESTRELLA, Erendira et al. Bat diversity (Chiroptera: Mammalia) in two archaeological sites in Yucatan, Mexico. Acta Zool. Mex [online]. 2014, vol.30, n.1, pp.188-200. ISSN 2448-8445.

The archaeological sites represent a cultural heritage because of the pre-Hispanic constructions they protect; however, its potential for biological conservation is unknown. Our aim was to assess the diversity of bats in the Dzibilchaltún and Kabah archaeological sites in Yucatan, Mexico, highlighting the potential of these sites for conservation. Although species richness was not different between sites, there was variation in bat diversity and the composition of trophic guilds, which might be associated with differences in environmental conditions of each site. The results of our study show that these sites harbor a high percentage of bat richness, both with regard to the state of Yucatan (41%) as well as to the Yucatan Peninsula (28%), demonstrating its importance as reservoirs to the diversity of bats and its potential to complement conservation policies.

Keywords : Mayan archaeological sites; diversity of bats; Dzibilchaltún; Kabah; Mexico.

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