Evolution and Ecology of Neotropical Mammals
Applied ecology
Mammals of Tropical Dry Forests
The physical and biotic particularities of Tropical Dry Forests, determine the different plant and animal species associations established there in; this biota in turn responds to various particular morphological adaptations, physiological and behavioral adaptations that ensure their survival; therefore these forests are not as diverse as the rainforests but in them is recorded a wealth of endemic species. Our research is focused on answering questions about the diversity of mammals, the structure of their communities and the establishment of the function of this biological group within the ecosystem; with the aim to propose and carry out strategies to conservation and rehabilitation of Colombian Tropical Dry Forest.
Restoration ecology in Orinosences Ecosystems
Deforestation and habitat loss are the leading cause of species extinction worldwide. The prospects of conservation are oriented towards the restoration of ecosystems; therefore it is essential evaluating the mechanisms for habitat restoration and the role of mammals in them. Seed dispersal by bats and mammals in general, contributes greatly to the natural succession and the recovery of forest ecosystems. In the Colombian Orinoco Region we are developing projects in which the role of bats as seed dispersers on different mulches is evaluated; so it is suggested it is a key component to be addressed for the natural succession processes and ecological restoration, from the faunal approach.
The ecology of pollination by bats
Still we have much to investigate in Colombia about the interactions of the pollination process by mammals. Bats can be considered as one of the most important pollinators of Neotropical ecosystems, especially in dry enclaves where they provide important ecosystem services. They have strong partnerships with various succulent plants; including columnar cacti of the genera Pilosocereus, Stenocereus and Subpilocerus and Agavaceae who depend on them for survival and reproduction. Many of these plants have close relations of quiropterophillie which is expressed in morphological and physiological adaptations through which they "attract" the bats; making this biological group the main pollinator of the cactus and thus the protagonist of the maintaining the ecosystem, because these plants are important food and water source for wildlife.