Potential distribution of cave bats as a tool for locating caves areas

Abstract

The present study used the potential distribution of five species of cave bats (Furipterus horrens, Natalus macrourus, Lonchorhina aurita, Pteronotus gymnonotus and Pteronotus parnellii) as a tool to identify areas with potential for cave occurrence. First, the distribution potentials of bats, generated in the Maxent algorithm, were compared with the registered caves and with the potential occurrence map of caves in Brazil, confirming the distribution of species in sites with registration or potential presence of caves. Distribution models of the five species have overlapping areas; thus, it is suggested that when this overlap occurs with three or more of these species, the possibility of caves exists. Seventeen areas are thus indicated as having cave occurrence potential, distributed mainly in the states of Alagoas, Bahia, Federal District, Goiás, Pará, Pernambuco and Minas Gerais. The orientation provided here may contribute to researchers working in the exploration and registration of caves in Brazil and to the knowledge of cave bats.