PROXIMATE, CALORIC, NITROGEN AND MINERAL-COMPOSITION OF BODIES OF SOME TROPICAL BATS

Proximate (live mass, water, lipid, ash, non-fat organic), caloric, ni trogen, and mineral (sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and iron) concentrations and total body content of individuals of 24 species of Neotropical and Paleotropical bats were determined. Mass-related, conc entration patterns were found for all measured variables, except iron. Concentrations increase with size for nitrogen, calcium, and magnesiu m but are concave, opening upward, for sodium and potassium. These las t two elements reach minimal concentrations in bats weighing about 22 and 28 g dry mass, respectively. Total body content of nitrogen and mi nerals was compared with amounts in similar-sized birds and tetrapodal mammals.