The giant returns: Rediscovery of the largest yellow-shouldered bat in the world

Abstract

Sturnira aratathomasi is a rare species of bat distributed in Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru. Herein we report new records for S. aratathomasi species in Colombia and Ecuador, updating its geographic distribution. During a field expedition to Cayambe Coca National Park in eastern Ecuador, a bat with difficult taxonomic identification was collected. To find additional specimens for comparison, museum collections in Ecuador and Colombia were reviewed. These specimens were identified as S. aratathomasi based on a forearm length equal to or greater than 55 mm and the presence of pointed upper inner incisors. Furthermore, an updated distribution map was generated. A total of 27 geographic records for S. aratathomasi were obtained. We report four new records of S. aratathomasi: two from Ecuador and two from Colombia. The first records from Ecuador are based on a specimen collected during fieldwork in Cayambe Coca National Park and a voucher specimen from Cosanga. The new records from Colombia are based on two voucher specimens from Quebrada La Colosa and Corregimiento Juntas. Investing more time and resources in both curatorial work and field expeditions is essential for analyzing the distribution of S. aratathomasi and for implementing effective conservation strategies. The Cayambe Coca National Park and Los Nevados National Natural Park are considered as priority areas for the conservation and research of this rare species in the Neotropics.