LA SELVA-BRAULIO CARRILLO MAMMALS 



83 



Vampyrops helleri 

 Heller's Broad-nosed Bat 



Heller's broad-nosed bats occur from Oaxaca and Veracruz, Mexico, to cen- 

 tral Brazil (Fig. 65). If subspecies are recognized in Vampyrops helleri, the nominate 

 form occurs throughout Central America. 



This species is found in primary forest habitats and occasionally in second- 

 growth and riparian situations. Roost sites include caves, tunnels, buildings, 

 culverts, and bridges, as well as foliage (Tuttle 1976). Although essentially 

 frugivorous, this species occasionally takes insects (Howell and Burch 1974). Data 

 on reproduction are too few to suggest a definitive pattern (Wilson 1979). 



Goodwin (1946) reported a specimen from Jimenez, Limon Province. Mares 

 and Wilson (1971) added specimens from the Osa Peninsula and San Vito, Pun- 

 tarenas Province. LaVal and Fitch (1977) reported 17 from La Selva; their only 

 pregnant female was found in August. We took two males in Parque Nacional 

 Braulio Carrillo, both from primary forest on a well-drained ridge. 



Specimens examined (9)— Finca La Selva, 3 km S of Puerto Viejo, 70 m 

 [2 females, KU; 3 males, 2 females, LACM]; 11 km S, 4.5 km W of Puerto Viejo, 

 270 m [1 male, USNM; 1 male, UNA]. 



Fig. 65. Heller's broad-nosed bat, Vampyrops helleri. Photo by B. L. Clauson. 



