A Dietary Analysis on Panamanian Bat Species

Bats are found all over the world, and they are the most diverse group of mammals in the tropics. They are a key component in all ecosystems as predators, pollinators, or seed dispersers. As a conservation tool, dietary studies show what different bat species need to survive. Through metabarcoding, the diet can be accurately assessed. This method involves the DNA extraction of material from the feces of the individual being studied. PCR is used to amplify the DNA and next generation sequencing is used to identify, separate, and align the DNA that was extracted. By comparing the results from different seasons, we are able to track changes in diet based on seasonal variance and eventually anthropogenic sources. Due to unforeseen problems with sampling technique, the results of this study were not significant. A larger data set and improved sterilization is needed to confirm any changes within species and between seasons