Intraspecific Variation in Roost-site Selection by Little Brown Bats (<i>Myotis lucifugus</i>)
- UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
- Matina C. Kalcounis-Rüppell, Professor (Creator)
- Institution
- The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )
- Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/
Abstract: Although many species of bats select roost sites in large trees that are in
open areas, intraspecific variation in roost-site selection may exist. We collected
data on the roosting behaviour of little brown bats in the Cypress
Hills, Saskatchewan, to determine the extent of intraspecific variation in
roost-site selection. In addition, we examined the thermal microclimate of
the tree-roosts selected by bats, to determine if roost-microsite variation
can explain why certain cavities are selected over others. We found little
brown bats roosting in trees as well as buildings. With the exception of a
male who roosted in a spruce (Picea glauca) stump, tree-roosts selected
by male and female little brown bats were all in trembling aspen (Populus tremuloides) trees. We found variation in roost-site fidelity and differential use of torpor by male bats. Temperatures within conifer snag cavities differed
from aspen cavities during the day, and mirrored ambient temperature,
which tended to be warmer than aspen cavities. We propose that
bats select cavities in aspens because they are susceptible to heart rot.
Aspen trees with heart rot provide cavities with an intact sapwood shell
that protects bats against harsh ambient conditions as well as predators,
and provides a unique thermal microclimate. Our results suggest that the
origin of a roost site may be unimportant to a bat, provided certain other
requirements are met.
Intraspecific Variation in Roost-site Selection by Little Brown Bats (<i>Myotis lucifugus</i>)
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Created on 9/3/2010
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Additional Information
- Publication
- Bats and Forest Symposium 23/1996
- Language: English
- Date: 1996
- Keywords
- Bats, Roosting, Trees, Site selection, Myotis lucifugus