its (see Chap. 5, Amphibians and Reptiles). Weather
records from Monteverde for the last decade suggest
that we are in a period of reduced rainfall and slightly
warmer temperatures (although in 1995, 1996, and
1998, rainfall was higher than normal). Changes in
mammal altitudinal limits, distributions, and abun-
dance at Monteverde may be correlated with climate
changes.
Bats were intensively sampled in Monteverde in
1973 and 1981 (Dinerstein 1983, 1986, R. LaVal, un-
publ. data). Subsequently, LaVal has mist-netted bats
in Monteverde on 10-20 nights each year. Several
lowland species of bats (Micronycteris hirsuta,
M. sylvestris, Mimon cozumelae, and Phyllostomus
discolor, which are gleaners, and Vampyrodes carac-
cioli, a frugivore) were captured in Monteverde for the
first time during the last 4 years. Sturnira lilium, also
a lowland species, was very rare in 1973 (2 captures),
more common in 1981 (38 captures), and seasonally
abundant in 1995. Desmodus rotundas, the Common
Vampire Bat (Fig. 7.12), was not encountered in 1973.
In 1981, nine were captured, a rate that has contin-
ued. Large numbers of cattle were introduced to this
dairy farming region in the 1950s, but vampire bats
did not arrive for at least 25 years, even though cattle,
pigs, dogs, and chickens had existed in nearby areas
even in the 1940s. The trend of lowland species mov-
ing up into Monteverde has also been observed in
birds, reptiles, and amphibians (see Chaps. 5 and 6).
These patterns support the climatic change hypoth-
esis for these and other lowland tropical species (see
Timm and LaVal, "Observations," p. 235). Long-term
weather and population data for a variety of species
are needed to assess the climatic factors that affect
mammals in Monteverde.
7.6. Historical Use and Change
in Abundance of MammalsThe San Luis area (ca. 1100 m) was first settled in
1915 (see Timm, "Prehistoric Cultures and Inhabit-
ants," p. 408); the Monteverde—Cerro Piano area was
first settled in 1929. During the 1930s, settlers moved
into the San Luis and Santa Elena areas (ca. 1250 m)
on the Pacific slope and into San Carlos on the Car-
ibbean slope. Families moved into the Monteverde
community area during the 1930s and 1940s (see
Chap. 11, Agriculture). The original settlers cleared
considerable forest for lumber, pastures, and home-
sites, creating fragmented patches of forest that ex-
ist today as a complex mosaic of primary and sec-
ondary habitats, including open pastures. By the late
1940s, appreciable deforestation had taken place at
lower and mid-elevations.
Early settlers relied heavily on local wildlife (es-
pecially mammals and larger birds) as a source of
protein for themselves and their dogs. Overhunting
played a role in the decline or extirpation of several
species. Guans and chachalacas were so heavily
hunted in the 1950s and early 1960s that they became
rare in Monteverde, although their populations have
increased with protection. Common food items of
early Monteverde residents were Black-handed Spi-
der Monkeys, Pacas, Brocket Deer, and Baird's Tapirs.
At lower elevations, White-tailed Deer and White-
lipped Peccaries were also hunted for meat. Agoutis
were generally fed to dogs. Locally obtained animals
were many families' primary source of meat. How-
ever, many hunters shot everything they saw, and if
an animal was not a preferred meat species, they sim-
ply left it. At least two species, the Giant Anteater andFigure 7.12. Common
Vampire Bat (Desmodus
rotundas). Photograph by
Barbara L Clauson.232 Mammals