INTRODUCTION:

Cave-dwelling nectar-feeding bats (Phyllostomidae: Glossophagini) face greater danger of extinction compared to other bats due to their restricted diet and the limited availability of suitable caves. Recent conservation biology literature suggests that successful conservation strategies should consider both biological and social perspectives. This paper presents the biological and social perspectives considered to implement conservation efforts for the threatened species Leptonycteris nivalis and Choeronycteris mexicana in the states of Coahuila and Nuevo Leon. Our objectives were to: 1) document caves used by these species, 2) describe community-based conservation strategies that link key actors (local communities, scientists, educators, government entities) resulting in a network, and 3) propose strategies to strengthen the links between key actors in the bat conservation network in order to maintain it in the long term.

MATERIAL AND METHODS:

To document caves used by L. nivalis and C. mexicana in Coahuila and Nuevo Leon, we combined searching available literature for known roosting sites and field surveys to confirm sites not previously reported. We implemented community-based conservation strategies with targeted local communities through workshops and used surveys to obtain indicators of knowledge and perception of bats by members of the communities.

RESULTS:

We report six caves used by nectar-feeding bats, which together house 12 species of bats (Table 1). The community-based conservation strategies that we implemented with local communities are described in four phases: information, communication, education, and training. A total of 574 residents from 52 communities participated in the study area. Surveys indicate that 60 % of the participants do not have knowledge of bat biology, 80 % are not aware of bats' ecological functions, and 71 % mention that bats are animals that cause fear.

CONCLUSIONS:

We propose a conservation network consisting of key actors (local communities, scientists, non-governmental organizations, government entities, and financial institutions) with links that are strengthened by bi-directional communication (Figure 2). Flow of resources and information through networks such as this will facilitate the integration of social and biological perspectives for successful conservation actions.