Molecular Verification of Bat Species Collected in Ecuador: Results of a Country-Wide Survey

Abstract

We report the results of a two-month bat survey from 33 different sampling localities in the country of Ecuador conducted in the summer of 2006. Biologists from Angelo State University and the Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador participated in this survey that was designed to collect information on bats from a diverse set of habitats and locations, with a particular emphasis on anthropogenic roost sites. We were particularly interested in documenting diversity of the family Molossidae in Ecuador. Between 20 June and 12 August 2006 we captured a total of 361 bats, of which, a subset totaling 163 individuals representing 45 species were collected and prepared as museum vouchers with associated tissues. Species were identified using traditional morphology and DNA sequences from the mitochondrial genes cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) or cytochrome-b. Noteworthy distributional records, unique genetic lineages, and use of urban roosts are discussed.