Relationship between Hg accumulation and diet in bats from Atlantic forest reserves

A study on bats from the Atlantic Forest reserves reveals that insectivorous bats exhibit higher mercury (Hg) accumulation and δ¹⁵N values, indicating their susceptibility to Hg contamination through invertebrate consumption. The research analyzed 100 road-killed bats collected between 2012 and 2017, finding mean Hg concentrations of 5.6 mg/kg, with 23% exceeding the sub-clinical threshold linked to neurological effects. Hg levels varied significantly across feeding guilds, following the order carnivorous > insectivorous > omnivorous > nectarivorous > frugivorous. Stable isotope analysis (δ¹³C and δ¹⁵N) further highlighted dietary and habitat differences among guilds. The findings underscore bats' role as sentinels for Hg monitoring, particularly in tropical ecosystems facing anthropogenic pressures.

Santos Vergilio, C. d., de Aguiar, D. B., Damásio, L., Lacerda, D., Gatts, P. V., de Sá Mendonça, E., de Almeida, M. G., Araújo, B. F., Banhos, A., & de Rezende, C. E. (2026). Relationship between Hg accumulation and diet in bats from Atlantic forest reserves. Ecotoxicology, 35(4). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10646-026-03067-y