Testing the coexistence of Artibeus lituratus and A. planirostris in a Neotropical savanna

(Uploaded by Plazi for the Bat Literature Project) Dissimilarity of relevant ecomorphological traits between species is expected to promote coexistence within a community. In this study, we tested hypotheses concerning differences in occurrence, in periods of activity and reproduction, in morphology and diet between two sympatric and phylogenetically related bat species (Artibeus lituratus and A. planirostris) in the Cerrado region of Central Brazil. No differences were found in the occurrence, activity patterns, or breeding season between species. In contrast, the species presented dissimilar morphological traits and diets (28% of overlap in diet). Our analysis suggests that A. lituratus and A. planirostris do not compete strongly with each other. This lack of competition between species facilitates coexistence on a local scale in the studied Neotropical savanna.