MINERAL AND NITROGEN CONCENTRATIONS IN FECES OF SOME NEOTROPICAL BATS

Concentrations of nitrogen and minerals in individual fecal pellets of Noctilio leporinus directly reflect composition of the fish, crustace ans, beetles, or moths originally consumed. Among Neotropical bats tha t feed primarily on plant parts (fruits, nectar, pollen, and flowers), animal parts (insects and vertebrates), or both, differences in measu red concentrations of nutrients are present in feces. Nitrogen levels are markedly higher and sodium levels are marginally higher in feces o f carnivores and omnivores than in frugivores. Calcium levels are high er and potassium levels are lower in feces of bats that primarily cons ume insects. Total iron levels in feces of frugivorous species are mar ginally lower than in carnivores or omnivores. Magnesium concentration s seem unrelated to feeding habits. Intake of nitrogen, potassium, and magnesium appears to be adequate for bats of all feeding habits. Peri odic deficiencies for calcium exist for insectivorous species and for sodium, and possibly iron, in some frugivorous species.