Implementation of complementary methods for bat sampling in a karstic landscape in central–northern Guatemala, Central America

The use of complementary sampling methods for bats is recommended to improve inventories of species. Here we performed direct and indirect sampling in caves, in the main river, and in various forest vegetation covers in a karst landscape in central–northern Guatemala. We determined efficiency and complementarity between methods. Using mist nets and with an effort of 2,670 m²h, we captured 296 individuals of 19 species. Using ultrasonic microphones and after 71 hours of recording, we obtained 1,598 effective files of 16 species/sonotypes. Using a harp trap and after 79 hours of operation, we captured 939 individuals of 12 species. In total, we report 34 species/sonotypes. Regarding the percentage of species richness sampled, according to an extrapolation to double the sampling effort, this varied between 69.8 % and 91.5 %, which we consider satisfactory. The percentages of complementarity between methods were over 70 %, notably high between mist nets and ultrasonic microphones (91 %). To date in Guatemala, inventories have been incomplete, mainly because they are biased by the use of mist nets and the capture of bats of the Phyllostomidae family. Training and implementation of non–extensively used methods such as acoustic detection is needed to improve our knowledge about this taxonomic group and provide fundamental information for conservation strategies. Dataset published through GBIF (DOI: 10.15470/3vcvof). Key words: Harp trap, Karstic caves, Lanquín, Mist nets, Riparian environments, Ultrasonic microphones