An important site for conservation of bats in Brazil: Passa Três cave, São Domingos karst area, with an updated checklist for Distrito Federal (DF) and Goiás state

Abstract

A checklist of bats from Distrito Federal (DF) and Goiás state (GO) and, particularly a single cave (Passa Três cave), located in São Domingos karst area (GO), central Brazil, is presented. Data is based on literature and surveys carried out during 2,000 years. In total, 66 species were recorded, with 30 using caves as shelters. Passa Três cave harbors nine Phyllostomidae species; the most abundant species were Platyrrhinus lineatus, Lonchorhina aurita, Desmodus rotundus and Carollia perspicillata; and the less abundants Trachops cirrhosus, Anoura caudifer and Glossophaga soricina. Besides, the cave is shelter of two threatened bats - Lonchophylla dekeyseri (Endangered category) and Lonchorhina aurita (Vulnerable category), included at Brazilian List of Threatened Fauna, and of a rare species, Lionycteris spurrelli. Passa Três cave shows enough attributes to be considered as a SICOM (Sites of Importance for Conservation of Bats), which would ensure its protection.