Scientists studying the 'near threatened' tequila bat, best known for its vital role in pollinating the Blue Agave plant from which the drink of the same name is made from, have analysed its DNA to help inform conservationists on managing their populations.
The findings are published in
Native to the
While known that some tequila bat populations migrate in
This study aimed to help better inform conservationists of the species' breeding and migratory patterns by determining whether the bats inhabiting
DNA analysis was necessary to understand how historical events may have shaped current tequila bat populations. But first, an international team, comprising researchers from the
Bat expert,
'However, our expedition to the desert was not without hitches and dangers. We were often hiking in temperatures routinely exceeding 40-degreeC and encountering desert wildlife such as rattle snakes, scorpions, hares, reptiles and ring-tailed cats along the way.
'Once we located the bat colony, our aim was to collect DNA skin samples from the bat's wing which heals quickly and doesn't harm them. We would wait until the bats went out to forage at around midnight and then enter the caves that were filled with thousands of baby bats, all packed together in nurseries, waiting for their mums to return.'
Bats are subject to many threats around the world. Their populations are threatened by habitat loss, their roosts are often disturbed, and people fear them both from myths and as potential disease carriers. Bat-phobia is only increasing in our current climate. However, despite their often-negative press, bats are very valuable to ecosystems and the benefits they bring to our societies including the popular beverage tequila.
After analysing samples, the team were able to identify the bats' mitochondrial DNA and use this to trace the maternal line of the different populations to understand the ancestral descent of the species.
Explaining the findings,
'In the present context of an accelerated rate of habitat loss, increased fear of bats and decreased appreciation as ecosystem service providers, understanding how we can help support this important species survive these threats is even more relevant.
'We are studying other differences related to their behaviour and morphology that will also help us understand how these bats adapt to diverse habitats.'
Importantly, this research will be used to help inform conservation management strategies, as the tequila bat is considered 'Near Threatened' by the IUCN Red List of Endangered Species.
Further information
Paper:
'Conservation units and historical matrilineal structure in the tequila bat (Leptonycteris yerbabuenae)' by A Menchaca et al in
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