Fruit consumption of Prosopis juliflora (Fabaceae) and Anacardium occidentale (Anacardiaceae) by Artibeus (Phyllostomidae) in the Caatinga biome.

(Uploaded by Plazi for the Bat Literature Project) Artibeus spp. are Neotropical bats that are known to feed on the fruits of many plant species in forest remnants and disturbed areas. Taking in to account the lack of information on bat diet in the Caatinga biome, we report the first record of consumption of the fruits of the invasive species Prosopis juliflora and add a new record of the consumption of fruits of Anacardium occidentale by Artibeus bats in a Caatinga area of the state of Rio Grande do Norte. Our records suggest that algaroba and cashew are important food choices for bats in areas with low fruit availability.