Occurrence and Mortality of Lasiurus ega (Chiroptera, Vespertilionidae) in Monocultures of Pinus sp. in Rio Grande do Sul, Southern Brazil
Abero Sá de Barros, MaríliaMaria Rui, Ana
Lasiurus ega is a widespread, insectivorous bat, occurring in several types of natural and altered habitats. Individuals are solitary and roost among tree branches and leaves. The present work records the use of Pinus individuals as diurnal roosts by L. ega in monocultures, and discusses the possible impact of such behavior on bats population. The study area is located in a rural property dominated by grassy vegetation, monocultures and invasions of Pinus spp. near the city of Palmares do Sul, in the northern Coastal Plain of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Adults and offspring of L. ega were observed roosting in monocultures of Pinus trees. Some individuals do not leave their tree roosts during the cutting process, and are killed by crushing or by the workers themselves. Bat presence in felled trees is frequent, according to reports by the workers, and may involve different species. This paper represents the first record of the use of Pinus sp. as roost by a bat species in a region where Pinus has been introduced, and the first record of Pinus sp. occupation by L. ega. The monoculture management and removal of individuals of Pinus sp. induce L. ega mortality, including the loss of pregnant and lactating females, and offsprings. Considering the current scarcity of knowledge, it is recommended that Pinus sp. plantations do not be cut during spring and summer, in order to avoid the m