Microplastic contamination in neotropical frugivorous bats (Phyllostomidae: Stenodermatinae, Carolliinae) shows no biome-specific differences between Cerrado and Amazon Forest

Abstract

Microplastic contamination has become an urgent concern for global ecosystems, especially for wildlife health in areas under intense anthropogenic pressures. This study analyzes the presence of microplastics in fruit bats (Phyllostomidae: Stenodermatinae and Carolliinae) in two Brazilian biomes: Cerrado and Amazon. Surprisingly, bats from the Amazon presented higher levels of contamination than those from the Cerrado, challenging the idea that more open and historically modified landscapes, such as the Cerrado, would have higher contamination. Land use and land cover classifications did not influence contamination levels, indicating that habitatspecific factors play a more relevant role. Contamination varied by organ, with the stomach presenting the highest concentrations in both biomes. Interestingly, bats from the subfamily Carolliinae, with more varied diets, presented higher contamination, probably due to dietary exposure and inhalation in anthropogenically altered areas. This study is the first to record microplastics in Cerrado bats and in detoxifying organs such as the liver. Our findings highlight the vulnerability of bats to microplastic pollution and the need for further research into its impacts, as well as suggesting conservation measures in regions of rapidly changing biodiversity.