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The information available on the geographical distribution of bats of Pteronotus (Phyllodia) (Chiroptera: Mormoopidae) in Venezuela is updated, as a result of the taxonomic analysis of museum specimens and the diagnosis of acoustic records. Prior to this work, three species of the subgenus were known in the Venezuelan territory: Pteronotus (Phyllodia) paraguanensis, endemic to the Paraguaná Peninsula; P. (Phyllodia) fuscus, with a wide distribution that covers the northern region (except Paraguaná), as well as the northern portion of the Amazon and the Guiana Shield; and P. (Phyllodia) rubiginosus, restricted to the south of the Orinoco River. A fourth species, P. (Phyllodia) alitonus, is included in the country for the first time, based on records obtained in the states of Amazonas and Bolívar. The morphological characters that allow identification of the species of Pteronotus (Phyllodia) that occur in Venezuela, as well as their echolocation patterns, are presented. The discovery of P. (P.) alitonus increases the number of known mammals in Venezuela to 405 (173 belonging to Chiroptera) and extends the distribution range of the species approximately 700 km northwest of the closest previously reported locality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on presence or absence of species, we evaluated the richness of three orders of non-volant small mammals (Didelphimorphia, Paucituberculata and Eulipotyphla) in the strictly protected areas from Venezuela (national parks, natural monuments and wildlife refuges). We reviewed both the literature (including theses and technical reports) as well as databases from national and international museums and then, made taxonomic lists of every strictly protected area. At least 85% of the species grouped in the three orders were recorded in the evaluated areas. These areas are protecting 80% of the endangered species and all endemic species. However, there is a gap in the protection of some species restricted to particular bioregions or known from few records. The following strictly protected areas are considered the richest in terms of numbers of species: Canaima, Duida- Marahuaca and Yurubí. Just as has been suggested in similar studies, it is believed necessary to review in more detail the "Plan de Ordenamiento Territorial de Venezuela" to identify possible areas that function as biological corridors and create new protected areas that include those species not protected in the current system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Bats represent a key component in the dynamics of many terrestrial ecosystems, and one of the groups of mammals with the highest levels of diversification in the Neotropics. Here we describe the results of a study of the bat fauna from Yurubí National Park (mountain area in Northern Venezuela), that includes a taxonomic list and the characterization of some community attributes in forested areas. Data was collected from zoological collections and diversified sampling methods from February to July of 2009 in an altitudinal gradient (100-1 500m), with three principal ecological units: semideciduous, evergreen and cloud forests. We recorded 64 species grouped in five families (63% of the bats known from La Cordillera de la Costa), of which Phyllostomidae was the dominant taxa (42 species; 66% of total), followed by Vespertilionidae, Molossidae, Emballonuridae and Mormoopidae. The community with the highest taxonomic diversification was found in the lowest elevation range, while the lowest number of species was found at the highest range. Eleven trophic guilds were identified; the insectivorous guild was the richest, whereas the frugivorous was the most abundant. Our results allow us to indicate these forest ecosystems have an appropriate conservation status, taking into account the presence of a relatively high proportion of species from the subfamily Phyllostominae, as well as the presence of other species with conservation priorities. All these aspects, and the fact that this represents a reservoir of the biological diversity of the forest ecosystems of La Cordillera de la Costa, make this protected area of an essential conservation value, in a highly endangered bioregion by neighboring socio-economic growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]