The use of PCR-RFLP as an identification tool for two closely related species of bats of genus Platyrrhinus

The bat species Platyrrhinus lineatus and P. recifinus (Phyllostomidae: Stenodermatinae) are ecologically important because of their capacity for seed dispersal. P. recifinus is endemic to the Atlantic rain forest and is considered vulnerable by the IUCN. The lack of distinct morphological features makes identification of the two species a difficult task. This study was aimed at testing the hypothesis that these are actually two distinct species by using PCR-RFLP of the mitochondrial cytocrome b gene. The results showed no shared haplotypes, demonstrating that these are, in fact, two distinct species. No polymorphism was obtained for P. recifinus, which could be a sign of low genetic diversity in this threatened species.