Atlas craniano dos morcegos da região da Mata dos Cocais, Maranhão, Brasil

Abstract

The bat biodiversity in the Mata dos Cocais region, in Maranhão, plays a crucial role in local ecosystems, contributing to processes such as pollination, seed dispersal, and insect population control. Despite this, knowledge about the cranial morphology of the species present in the region is limited, hindering taxonomic identification and the development of more in-depth ecological studies. This study aimed to create a cranial atlas of bat species found in the Mata dos Cocais, focusing on the detailed description of cranial and mandibular structures. To achieve this, collections were conducted in different localities of the region using mist nets, followed by morphological analysis and anatomical measurements in the laboratory. The samples were processed, sorted, selected, photographed, cataloged, and compared with specimens from other scientific collections to ensure accuracy in species identification. The resulting atlas presents illustrated descriptions and standard measurements of each species, providing a reference tool for researchers, students, and environmental managers. Moreover, it contributes to the understanding of local biodiversity and conservation efforts, considering the increasing environmental pressures in the region. This study highlights the importance of integrating taxonomy and conservation, showcasing bats as indicators of environmental health in the Mata dos Cocais. For the present work, 23 species were concentrated in general, divided as follows: 12 members belonging to the family Phyllostomidae, 04 for Emballonuridae, 03 for Vespertilionidae, 02 for Molossidae and 02 for Noctilionidae.