First documented record of Bassariscus astutus visiting Agave inflorescences in Mexico

Ringtailed cat-Agave interaction

Abstract

Floral visitors of Agave species have traditionally been considered to consist primarily of insects, bats, and birds; however, recent studies suggest that non-flying mammals play a more frequent role in pollination than previously recognized. The objective of this study was to document the visit of Bassariscus astutus to agave inflorescences and evaluate the behaviors performed during those visits. Camera trapping was used to record floral visitors to different species of agaves in the IB-UNAM Botanical Garden, Mexico City. Between May 2024 and July 2025, nine individuals of six Agave species were monitored, accumulating a total of 1,512 h of recording. Visits of B. astutus were recorded on three species (A. americana, A. inaequidens, and A. salmiana), visitation events lasted from 20 s to 10 min. Individuals moved across the panicles, consumed nectar directly from the flowers, and captured associated moths, without causing apparent damage to reproductive structures. The results suggest that B. astutus uses Agave inflorescences as an opportunistic resource, exploiting both nectar and flower-associated insects. Together with previous observations, these observations are consistent with a dual-resource foraging strategy. Although its role as a pollinator cannot be confirmed, its behavior indicates potential incidental pollen transfer. This study constitutes the first documented record in Mexico of B. astutus consuming Agave nectar, expanding knowledge of its diet and highlighting the importance of non-flying mammals within Agave plant–animal interaction networks.