Influence of banana plantations on bat assemblages (Chiroptera)

Landscape modification for agriculture is the most severe and common threat to global diversity. Considering that part of the native biota may also live in plantations, it is important to investigate how human-altered habitats can be incorporated into conservation strategies. We analysed how banana plantations affect bat assemblages. We selected 12 pair of sites in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, each one consisting of a banana plantation and a forest fragment adjacent to this. From November 2008 to October 2010, we carried out monthly sampling for two nights: one in the banana plantation and the other in the adjacent forest fragment, summing up 48 sampling nights. Bats were captured with mist nets. We analyse 2369 captures and recaptures of 27 bat species. Banana plantations did not affect species richness but did affect community structure. Frugivorous, nectarivorous and omnivorous bats were significantly more abundant in banana plantations. The ability of banana plantations to harbour bat diversity depends directly on the amount of forest cover surrounding it. Bat abundance was affected by banana plantations on a local scale while bat richness responds to forest cover on a broader scale. Forest fragments may satisfy requirements related to roosting habitat and permit continued occupancy if the surrounding deforested matrix provides adequate food resources. Banana plantations may enhance the availability of habitat across the landscape facilitating individual movements and appears to be compatible with the conservation of bat diversity. However, it is important to note that banana plantations are not efficient to house some species susceptible to fragmentation. This study provides evidence that banana plantation can be managed in an ecologically sustainable way and that significant biodiversity conservation efforts can occur outside national parks and nature reserves.

Automated summary

The study analyzed the impact of banana plantations on bat assemblages and found that while banana plantations do not affect bat species richness, they do influence community structure. Banana plantations may enhance habitat availability across the landscape, but their ability to support bat diversity depends on the amount of surrounding forest cover.