Inter- and intra-specific variation in hair cortisol concentrations of Neotropical bats

Abstract Quantifying hair cortisol has become popular in wildlife ecology for its practical advantages evaluating stress. Before levels can be reliably interpreted, however, it is key to first understand the intrinsic factors explaining intra- and inter-specific variation. Bats are an ecologically diverse group of mammals that allow studying such Given many bat species threatened or have declining populations parts their range, minimally invasive tools monitoring colony health identifying cryptic stressors needed efficiently direct conservation efforts. Here we describe sources variation 18 Neotropical from Belize Mexico. We found fecundity important ecological trait cortisol. Other variables as size, roost durability basal metabolic rate did not explain among species. At individual level, females exhibited higher than males effect body mass varied Overall, our findings help validate accurately apply a tool free-ranging bats.