Abstract

WILLIAMS, Marta et al. Heavy metal concentrations in bats around and inside the Lodge "Cock of the Rocks", Kosñipata, Cuzco, Peru. Ecol. apl. [online]. 2010, vol.9, n.2, pp.133-139. ISSN 1726-2216.

During the dry season (July 2007) and the wet season (March and April 2008), bats of the genera Carollia, Sturnira and Anoura were collected inside and around the Lodge "Cock of the Rocks" (Kosñipata, Cuzco, Peru). The liver and pancreas of all collected individuals were used to measure lead, cadmium, copper and zinc concentrations using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The interest was focused in determining differences in the levels of those metals among genera and species, as well as in establishing variations in metal concentrations during both periods. Significant differences (α = 0.05) were found in metal concentrations among genera, but not among seasons. Parts per million (ppm) concentrations of lead ranged from 0 to 15.15, cadmium varied from 0 to 19.05, copper from 4.38 to 81.82 and zinc from 9.49 to 284. In general, higher values of copper and zinc were found due to the fact that mammals may require them in larger quantities to meet their physiological needs. Metal concentrations vary among species, individuals and even in themselves over time, according to the type of diet, degree of exposure and assimilation rate. Apparently, this is a first report of heavy metal concentrations in bats from South America.

Keywords : bats; Kosñipata; Cuzco; liver; pancreas; lead; cadmium; copper; zinc; heavy metals.

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