Preference for Collpa Water by Frugivorous Bats (Artibeus): An Experimental Approach

Several species of stenodermatine bats congregate in large numbers at collpas in southeastern Peru to drink water. We conducted the first experimental tests of preference for collpa water by representative bats. Artibeus species preferred mineral-rich collpa water over water from other sources, supporting the hypothesis that they seek resources (especially sodium) at collpas.