Efectos de la variabilidad de temperatura y precipitación causadas por el cambio climático sobre la reproducción de los murciélagos

Abstract

Reproduction in bats is regulated by endogenous and exogenous factors, so variations in climatic conditions can impact their reproductive success.  A literature review and analysis of the effects of temperature and precipitation variability caused by climate change on bat reproduction are presented.  A search of scientific literature published from 2000 to 2023 was carried out, based on the combination of three key elements related to temperature and precipitation variability, climate change and bat reproduction.  The described effects were analyzed and the information is reported in a qualitative synthesis.  A total of 41 scientific articles and 3 book chapters from 15 countries addressed the effect of climate variability in temperature and precipitation caused by climate change on bat reproduction.  The ability of some species to modify their reproductive pattern in response to this variability is evidenced.  In addition, it is evident that environmental variables can modify the timing of reproductive events.  Due to the diversity in their reproductive biology and the ability to maximize their reproductive efficiency under different environmental conditions, it is not possible to generalize about the effects of climate change on bat reproduction, since intra and interspecific differences have been demonstrated in the ability to maximize their reproductive success.  Further research is required to address the effects of climatic variables on reproductive events.