1
|
Andreozzi CL, Merenlender AM. Microclimatic drivers of winter bat activity in coast redwood forests. J Mammal 2024; 105:988-1000. [PMID: 39345855 PMCID: PMC11427540 DOI: 10.1093/jmammal/gyae070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 10/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Bats are among the least well-known mammals, particularly in terms of their behavior and activity patterns during the winter. Here, we use passive acoustic monitoring to overcome some of the challenges inherent in surveying cryptic forest bats during the wet season to quantify overwintering behavior for 11 species in California coast redwood forests under varying microclimates. Because different species are active at different forest heights, we also examined the effect of acoustic detector placement (treetop or ground level). Generalized linear mixed models were used to relate acoustic detection probability for 8 species to daytime and nighttime temperature, relative humidity, water vapor pressure, and detector placement. The results indicate that daytime maximum temperature best explained variation in nightly probability of detection, and temperature threshold at which bats were predicted to be detected varied considerably across species. By using more precise species detection methods, we were able to resolve significant differences in activity patterns between Myotis yumanensis and M. californicus, 2 species with similar acoustic signatures that are often lumped together. Myotis californicus was predicted to have a 50% probability of detection at maximum daytime temperature as low as 12.5 °C, whereas M. yumanensis was not predicted to have 50% detection probability until maximum daytime temperature was at least 22 °C, suggesting that M. californicus spends less time in torpor. Also, monitoring at the top of the canopy revealed 4 migratory species to be present in the ecosystem on significantly more monitoring nights than could be observed using conventional ground-based monitoring methods. Improving winter bat survey methods provides evidence that diverse bat species are more active in redwood forests during the winter than previously documented. This finding suggests that coastal forests could provide important winter bat habitat for both resident and migratory species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chelsea L Andreozzi
- Department of Environmental Science, Policy, and Management, University of California, Berkeley, 130 Mulford Hall, Berkeley, CA 94720, United States
| | - Adina M Merenlender
- Department of Environmental Science, Policy, and Management, University of California, Berkeley, 130 Mulford Hall, Berkeley, CA 94720, United States
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Perea S, Meinecke CD, Larsen-Gray AL, Greene DU, Villari C, Gandhi KJK, Castleberry SB. Winter diet of bats in working forests of the southeastern U.S. Coastal Plain. Sci Rep 2024; 14:12778. [PMID: 38834684 PMCID: PMC11150266 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-63062-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Working forests comprise a large proportion of forested landscapes in the southeastern United States and are important to the conservation of bats, which rely on forests for roosting and foraging. While relationships between bat ecology and forest management are well studied during summer, winter bat ecology remains understudied. Hence, we aimed to identify the diet composition of overwintering bats, compare the composition of prey consumed by bat species, and determine the potential role of forest bats as pest controllers in working forest landscapes of the southeastern U.S. Coastal Plain. During January to March 2021-2022, we captured 264 bats of eight species. We used DNA metabarcoding to obtain diet composition from 126 individuals of seven bat species identifying 22 orders and 174 families of arthropod prey. Although Coleoptera, Diptera, and Lepidoptera were the most consumed orders, we found that bats had a generalist diet but with significant differences among some species. We also documented the consumption of multiple insect pests (e.g., Rhyacionia frustrana) and disease vectors (e.g., Culex spp). Our results provide important information regarding the winter diet of bats in the southeastern U.S. Coastal Plain and their potential role in controlling economically relevant pest species and disease vectors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Santiago Perea
- Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA.
| | - Colton D Meinecke
- Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | | | - Daniel U Greene
- Weyerhaeuser Company, Environmental Research South, Columbus, MS, USA
| | - Caterina Villari
- Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Kamal J K Gandhi
- Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Steven B Castleberry
- Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Salvarina I, Georgiakakis P, Kafkaletou Diez A, Perivolioti TM, Vassilaki I, Kalcounis-Rueppell M. Year-Round Bat Activity and Species Richness Near Temporary Ponds in the Mediterranean Region. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:1495. [PMID: 37511871 PMCID: PMC10381810 DOI: 10.3390/life13071495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 06/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Mediterranean temporary ponds are recognized as conservation priority habitats that face anthropogenic threats and are important habitats for a number of aquatic and terrestrial animals and plants. Bats are a diverse group of animals that use ponds for drinking and feeding on emerging aquatic insects and terrestrial insects in the riparian zone. We investigated the importance of temporary ponds for bats in Greece by acoustically sampling bat community structures and activity at temporary ponds throughout the year. We sampled monthly, from 3 to 13 months in 2019-2020, at sites at the pond edge and approximately 150-300 m away from the edge, at four temporary ponds in northern and southern Greece. Our results confirm the importance of temporary ponds for bats as activity was recorded year-round and was high in all but the winter months. In general, the distance to the edge of the pond and the presence of water in the pond explained bat activity together with air temperature. Importantly, whether dry or not, all ponds supported bat activity, independent of their particular characteristics. This study highlights the urgent need for the conservation of temporary ponds, especially in areas with limited water availability.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ioanna Salvarina
- Laboratory of Ichthyology, School of Biology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, University Campus, P.O. Box 134, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | | | | | - Triantafyllia-Maria Perivolioti
- Laboratory of Ichthyology, School of Biology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, University Campus, P.O. Box 134, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Ioanna Vassilaki
- Laboratory of Ichthyology, School of Biology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, University Campus, P.O. Box 134, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | | |
Collapse
|
4
|
Jackson RT, Willcox EV, Zobel JM, Bernard RF. Emergence activity at hibernacula differs among four bat species affected by white-nose syndrome. Ecol Evol 2022; 12:e9113. [PMID: 35845385 PMCID: PMC9277409 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.9113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Revised: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Prior to the introduction of white-nose syndrome (WNS) to North America, temperate bats were thought to remain within hibernacula throughout most of the winter. However, recent research has shown that bats in the southeastern United States emerge regularly from hibernation and are active on the landscape, regardless of their WNS status. The relationship between winter activity and susceptibility to WNS has yet to be explored but warrants attention, as it may enable managers to implement targeted management for WNS-affected species. We investigated this relationship by implanting 1346 passive integrated transponder (PIT) tags in four species that vary in their susceptibility to WNS. Based on PIT-tag detections, three species entered hibernation from late October to early November. Bats were active at hibernacula entrances on days when midpoint temperatures ranged from -1.94 to 22.78°C (mean midpoint temperature = 8.70 ± 0.33°C). Eastern small-footed bats (Myotis leibii), a species with low susceptibility to WNS, were active throughout winter, with a significant decrease in activity in mid-hibernation (December 16 to February 15). Tricolored bats (Perimyotis subflavus), a species that is highly susceptible to WNS, exhibited an increase in activity beginning in mid-hibernation and extending through late hibernation (February 16 to March 31). Indiana bats (M. sodalis), a species determined to have a medium-high susceptibility to WNS, remained on the landscape into early hibernation (November 1 to December 15), after which we did not record any again until the latter portion of mid-hibernation. Finally, gray bats (M. grisescens), another species with low susceptibility to WNS, maintained low but regular levels of activity throughout winter. Given these results, we determined that emergence activity from hibernacula during winter is highly variable among bat species and our data will assist wildlife managers to make informed decisions regarding the timing of implementation of species-specific conservation actions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Reilly T. Jackson
- Department of Biological SciencesUniversity of ArkansasFayettevilleArkansasUSA
- Department of Forestry, Wildlife and FisheriesUniversity of TennesseeKnoxvilleTennesseeUSA
| | - Emma V. Willcox
- Department of Forestry, Wildlife and FisheriesUniversity of TennesseeKnoxvilleTennesseeUSA
| | - John M. Zobel
- Department of Forest ResourcesUniversity of MinnesotaSt. PaulMinnesotaUSA
| | - Riley F. Bernard
- Department of Forestry, Wildlife and FisheriesUniversity of TennesseeKnoxvilleTennesseeUSA
- Department of Zoology and PhysiologyUniversity of WyomingLaramieWyomingUSA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Montgomery CB, Hogue AS. The First Confirmed Occurrence of Myotis septentrionalis (Northern Long-eared Bat) on the Delmarva Peninsula. Northeast Nat (Steuben) 2022. [DOI: 10.1656/045.029.0210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Aaron S. Hogue
- Salisbury University, Henson School of Science and Technology, Salisbury, MD 21801
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Habitat Associations of Overwintering Bats in Managed Pine Forest Landscapes. FORESTS 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/f13050803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Research Highlights: Seasonal variation in environmental conditions coinciding with reproductive and energetic demands might result in seasonal differences in species-specific habitat use. We studied a winter assemblage of insectivorous bats and found that species acted as habitat generalists during winter compared to expectations based on the summer active season. Background and Objectives: In temperate regions, seasonal fluctuations in resource availability might restructure local bat assemblages. Initially perceived to only hibernate or migrate to avoid adverse winter conditions, temperate insectivorous bats appear to also employ intermediate overwintering strategies, as a growing body of literature suggests that winter activity is quite prevalent and even common in some lower latitude areas. However, to date, most studies have exclusively assessed habitat associations during summer. Because habitat use during summer is strongly influenced by reproduction, we hypothesized that habitat associations might differ during the non-reproductive winter period. We used acoustic monitoring to assess the habitat associations of bats across a managed pine landscape in the southeastern United States. Materials and Methods: During the winters of 2018 and 2019, we deployed acoustic detectors at 72 unique locations to monitor bat activity and characterized vegetation conditions at two scales (microhabitat and landscape). We used linear mixed models to characterize species-specific activity patterns associated with different vegetation conditions. Results: We found little evidence of different activity patterns during winter. The activity of three species (hoary bat: Lasiurus cinereus; southeastern myotis: Myotis austroriparius; and tricolored bat: Perimyotis subflavus) was not related to vegetation variables and only modest relationships were evident for four other species/groups (big brown bat: Eptesicus fuscus; eastern red bat: L. borealis; Seminole bat: L. seminolus; evening bat: Nycticeius humeralis; and Brazilian free-tailed bat: Tadarida brasiliensis). Conclusions: During winter, the bats in our study were active across the landscape in various cover types, suggesting that they do not exhibit the same habitat associations as in summer. Therefore, seasonal differences in distributions and habitat associations of bat populations need to be considered so that effective management strategies can be devised that help conserve bats year round.
Collapse
|
7
|
Unique Land Cover Classification to Assess Day-Roost Habitat Selection of Northern Long-Eared Bats on the Coastal Plain of North Carolina, USA. FORESTS 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/f13050792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Reproductively successful and over-wintering populations of the endangered northern long-eared bat (Myotis septentrionalis) have recently been discovered on the Coastal Plain of North Carolina. Empirical data on resource selection within the region is limited, likely hindering management of these coastal forests. Our objectives were to determine roosting home range size, selection of day-roost tree species, second- and third-order roosting habitat selection, and to quantify the overall availability of resources in the surrounding landscape. We found core and peripheral roosting home range estimates were large, yet similar to observations from other areas of contiguous forests. Prior to juvenile volancy, female northern long-eared bats appear to select red maple (Acer rubrum), water ash (Fraxinus caroliniana), and loblolly pine (Pinus taeda) as day-roosts, but then use sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua), swamp bay (Persea palustris), and water tupelo (Nyssa aquatica) after juvenile volancy. At the second-order spatial scale, roosting home ranges were associated with woody wetlands farther from anthropogenic development and open water. However, within the third-order scale, northern long-eared bats were associated with undeveloped woody wetlands and upland forests, areas containing shorter trees and occurring proximal to open water. Peripheral and core areas were predicted to comprise approximately 20% of the local landscape. Our results show that complex and large tracts of woody wetlands juxtaposed with upland forests in this part of the Coastal Plain may be important for northern long-eared bats locally, results largely consistent with species management efforts in eastern North America.
Collapse
|
8
|
ROADWAY-ASSOCIATED CULVERTS MAY SERVE AS A TRANSMISSION CORRIDOR FOR PSEUDOGYMNOASCUS DESTRUCTANS AND WHITE-NOSE SYNDROME IN THE COASTAL PLAINS AND COASTAL REGION OF GEORGIA, USA. J Wildl Dis 2022; 58:322-332. [PMID: 35276010 DOI: 10.7589/jwd-d-21-00069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
White-nose syndrome (WNS) is a disease among hibernating North American bats caused by the psychrophilic fungus Pseudogymnoascus destructans. Since its discovery in New York state, US, in 2006, and as of 2020, WNS has rapidly spread to 34 American states and seven Canadian provinces, causing precipitous declines of native bat populations across North America. The rapid spread of this fungal pathogen has been facilitated by the social behavior of bats, as well as the ability of subterranean hibernacula to support a favorable environment for P. destructans, and is probably exacerbated by anthropogenic transmission events. Although many bat species roost in natural cave environments, bats also selectively use diverse structures for hibernacula. Certain areas of the US lack caves, forcing bats to select different winter roosting environments. Bats have been observed using roadway-associated structures, such as bridges and culverts, for roosting, especially in regions that lack natural cave environments. However, the potential for P. destructans transmission in such roadway-associated structures requires further investigation. Understanding potential pathogen transmission in these widely used anthropogenic structures is crucial to disease management and preventing further declines of imperiled bat populations. Our study investigated these structures as potential pathogen transmission corridors by surveying the use of these structures by Perimyotis subflavus and other susceptible bat populations and by measuring their temperature. The results suggest the environments of roadway-associated culverts are thermally conducive to the proliferation of P. destructans-even in regions with mild winters-and the development of WNS in susceptible bat populations. It is apparent these roadway-associated structures have the potential to spread P. destructans and exacerbate the effect of WNS on susceptible bat populations.
Collapse
|
9
|
Meierhofer MB, Leivers SJ, Pierce BL, Powers GW, Evans JW, Morrison ML. Structural and environmental predictors of tricolored bat presence and abundance in Texas caves. J Mammal 2021. [DOI: 10.1093/jmammal/gyab143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
The identification of bat colonies is essential to conserve and manage these globally threatened mammals. Caves offer potential roosting locations (hibernacula) to hibernating bat species; however, identifying regions where bat-occupied caves exist can be time-consuming. In Texas, caves are often on privately owned land, creating difficulties for accessing and managing potential hibernacula. The tricolored bat (Perimyotis subflavus), a species susceptible to white-nose syndrome, hibernates in caves in the winter in Texas. We sought to identify and quantify site-specific structural and environmental features that influence the presence and abundance of overwintering tricolored bats. We surveyed caves for bats and recorded environmental and structural features of 116 caves January–February 2016, December–February 2016–2017, January–February 2018, and December–February 2018–2019. We used a zero-inflated Poisson regression to identify which features best explained the presence and abundance of tricolored bats. We found that bat presence increased as cave length decreased, and as Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and external vapor pressure deficit increased. Bat abundance increased as number of portals, cave length, NDVI, and external temperature increased. Combining surface data with subsurface features can assist with identifying specific karst regions and known caves within those regions for survey and management efforts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Melissa B Meierhofer
- Department of Rangeland, Wildlife and Fisheries Management, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
- Natural Resources Institute, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Samantha J Leivers
- Natural Resources Institute, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Brian L Pierce
- Natural Resources Institute, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Garrett W Powers
- Natural Resources Institute, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Jonah W Evans
- Wildlife Diversity Program, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, Boerne, TX, USA
| | - Michael L Morrison
- Department of Rangeland, Wildlife and Fisheries Management, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Bat activity patterns relative to temporal and weather effects in a temperate coastal environment. Glob Ecol Conserv 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gecco.2021.e01769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
|
11
|
Cheng TL, Reichard JD, Coleman JTH, Weller TJ, Thogmartin WE, Reichert BE, Bennett AB, Broders HG, Campbell J, Etchison K, Feller DJ, Geboy R, Hemberger T, Herzog C, Hicks AC, Houghton S, Humber J, Kath JA, King RA, Loeb SC, Massé A, Morris KM, Niederriter H, Nordquist G, Perry RW, Reynolds RJ, Sasse DB, Scafini MR, Stark RC, Stihler CW, Thomas SC, Turner GG, Webb S, Westrich BJ, Frick WF. The scope and severity of white-nose syndrome on hibernating bats in North America. CONSERVATION BIOLOGY : THE JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR CONSERVATION BIOLOGY 2021; 35:1586-1597. [PMID: 33877716 PMCID: PMC8518069 DOI: 10.1111/cobi.13739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2020] [Revised: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 01/16/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Assessing the scope and severity of threats is necessary for evaluating impacts on populations to inform conservation planning. Quantitative threat assessment often requires monitoring programs that provide reliable data over relevant spatial and temporal scales, yet such programs can be difficult to justify until there is an apparent stressor. Leveraging efforts of wildlife management agencies to record winter counts of hibernating bats, we collated data for 5 species from over 200 sites across 27 U.S. states and 2 Canadian provinces from 1995 to 2018 to determine the impact of white-nose syndrome (WNS), a deadly disease of hibernating bats. We estimated declines of winter counts of bat colonies at sites where the invasive fungus that causes WNS (Pseudogymnoascus destructans) had been detected to assess the threat impact of WNS. Three species undergoing species status assessment by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Myotis septentrionalis, Myotis lucifugus, and Perimyotis subflavus) declined by more than 90%, which warrants classifying the severity of the WNS threat as extreme based on criteria used by NatureServe. The scope of the WNS threat as defined by NatureServe criteria was large (36% of Myotis lucifugus range) to pervasive (79% of Myotis septentrionalis range) for these species. Declines for 2 other species (Myotis sodalis and Eptesicus fuscus) were less severe but still qualified as moderate to serious based on NatureServe criteria. Data-sharing across jurisdictions provided a comprehensive evaluation of scope and severity of the threat of WNS and indicated regional differences that can inform response efforts at international, national, and state or provincial jurisdictions. We assessed the threat impact of an emerging infectious disease by uniting monitoring efforts across jurisdictional boundaries and demonstrated the importance of coordinated monitoring programs, such as the North American Bat Monitoring Program (NABat), for data-driven conservation assessments and planning.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tina L. Cheng
- Bat Conservation International500 North Capital of Texas Highway, Building 1AustinTX78746U.S.A.
| | - Jonathan D. Reichard
- Ecological ServicesU.S. Fish and Wildlife Service300 Westgate Center DriveHadleyMA01035U.S.A.
| | - Jeremy T. H. Coleman
- Ecological ServicesU.S. Fish and Wildlife Service300 Westgate Center DriveHadleyMA01035U.S.A.
| | - Theodore J. Weller
- Pacific Southwest Research StationU.S. Department of Agriculture1700 Bayview DriveArcataCA95521U.S.A.
| | - Wayne E. Thogmartin
- Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences CenterU.S. Geological Survey2630 Fanta Reed RoadLa CrosseWI54601U.S.A.
| | - Brian E. Reichert
- Fort Collins Science CenterU.S. Geological Survey2150 Centre AvenueFort CollinsCO80526U.S.A.
| | - Alyssa B. Bennett
- Vermont Department of Fish and Wildlife111 West St.Essex JunctionVT05452U.S.A.
| | | | - Joshua Campbell
- Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency5107 Edmonson PikeNashvilleTN37211U.S.A.
| | | | - Daniel J. Feller
- Maryland Department of Natural Resources580 Taylor Ave.FrostburgMD21401U.S.A.
| | - Richard Geboy
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service520 S. Walker St.BloomingtonIN47403U.S.A.
| | - Traci Hemberger
- Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources1 Sportsman's Ln.FrankfortKY40601U.S.A.
| | - Carl Herzog
- New York Department of Environmental Conservation625 BroadwayAlbanyNY12233U.S.A.
| | - Alan C. Hicks
- New York Department of Environmental Conservation625 BroadwayAlbanyNY12233U.S.A.
| | | | - Jessica Humber
- NL Wildlife DivisionGovernment of Newfoundland and Labrador192 Wheeler's Rd., P.O. Box 2006Corner BrookNLA2H 0J1Canada
| | - Joseph A. Kath
- Illinois Department of Natural Resources1 Natural Resources WaySpringfieldIL62702U.S.A.
| | - R. Andrew King
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service520 S. Walker St.BloomingtonIN47403U.S.A.
| | - Susan C. Loeb
- Southern Research Station, U.S. Forest ServiceClemson University233 Lehotsky HallClemsonSC29634U.S.A.
| | - Ariane Massé
- Ministère des Forêts, de la Faune et des Parcs880 ch. Sainte‐FoyQuébecQCG1S 4X4Canada
| | - Katrina M. Morris
- Wildlife Conservation SectionGeorgia Department of Natural Resources2065 US Hwy 278 SESocial CircleGA30025U.S.A.
| | - Holly Niederriter
- Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental ControlRichardson and Robbins Bldg., 89 Kings Hwy SWDoverDE19901U.S.A.
| | - Gerda Nordquist
- Minnesota Department of Natural Resources500 Lafayette Rd.Saint PaulMN55155U.S.A.
| | - Roger W. Perry
- U.S. Forest Service100 Reserve St.Hot SpringsAR71901U.S.A.
| | - Richard J. Reynolds
- Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources7870 Villa Park Dr. #400RichmondVA23228U.S.A.
| | - D. Blake Sasse
- Arkansas Game and Fish Commission2 Natural Resources Dr.Little RockAR72205U.S.A.
| | | | - Richard C. Stark
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service9014 E. 21st St.TulsaOK74129U.S.A.
| | - Craig W. Stihler
- West Virginia Division of Natural ResourcesP.O. Box 67ElkinsWV26241U.S.A.
| | - Steven C. Thomas
- National Park Service, Cumberland Piedmont Inventory and Monitoring NetworkMammoth Cave National ParkP.O. Box 8Mammoth CaveKY42259U.S.A.
| | - Gregory G. Turner
- Pennsylvania Game Commission2001 Elmerton Ave.HarrisburgPA17110U.S.A.
| | - Shevenell Webb
- Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife284 State St.AugustaME04330U.S.A.
| | - Bradford J. Westrich
- Indiana Department of Natural Resources402 W. Washington St.IndianapolisIN46204U.S.A.
| | - Winifred F. Frick
- Bat Conservation International500 North Capital of Texas Highway, Building 1AustinTX78746U.S.A.
- Department of Ecology and EvolutionUniversity of California130 McAllister Way, Santa CruzSanta CruzCA95060U.S.A.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Barr EL, Silvis A, Armstrong MP, Ford WM. White‐nose Syndrome and Environmental Correlates to Landscape‐Scale Bat Presence. WILDLIFE SOC B 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/wsb.1215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Elaine L. Barr
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Ohio River Islands National Wildlife Refuge Williamstown WV 26187
| | | | - Mike P. Armstrong
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Kentucky Ecological Services Field Office Frankfort KY 40601
| | - W. Mark Ford
- U.S. Geological Survey Virginia Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit Blacksburg VA 24061
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
White-nose syndrome-related changes to Mid-Atlantic bat communities across an urban-to-rural gradient. BMC ZOOL 2021; 6:12. [PMID: 37170299 PMCID: PMC10127033 DOI: 10.1186/s40850-021-00079-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2020] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
White-nose Syndrome (WNS) has reduced the abundance of many bat species within the United States’ Mid-Atlantic region. To determine changes within the National Park Service National Capital Region (NCR) bat communities, we surveyed the area with mist netting and active acoustic sampling (2016–2018) and compared findings to pre-WNS (2003–2004) data.
Results
The results indicated the continued presence of the threatened Myotis septentrionalis (Northern Long-eared bat) and species of conservation concern, including Perimyotis subflavus (Tri-colored bat), Myotis leibii (Eastern Small-footed bat) and Myotis lucifugus (Little Brown bat). However, we documented a significant reduction in the abundance and distribution of M. lucifugus and P. subflavus, a decrease in the distribution of M. septentrionalis, and an increase in the abundance of Eptesicus fuscus (Big Brown bat).
Conclusions
Documented post-WNS M. septentrionalis recruitment suggests that portions of the NCR may be important bat conservation areas. Decreases in distribution and abundance of P. subflavus and M. lucifugus indicate probable extirpation from many previously occupied portions of the region.
Collapse
|
14
|
Shute KE, Loeb SC, Jachowski DS. Seasonal Shifts in Nocturnal Habitat Use by Coastal Bat Species. J Wildl Manage 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/jwmg.22060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kyle E. Shute
- Department of Forestry and Environmental Conservation Clemson University 261 Lehotsky Hall Clemson SC 29631 USA
| | - Susan C. Loeb
- USDA Forest Service, Southern Research Station, 233 Lehotsky Hall Clemson University Clemson SC 29631 USA
| | - David S. Jachowski
- Department of Forestry and Environmental Conservation Clemson University 261 Lehotsky Hall Clemson SC 29631 USA
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Parker KA, Li H, Kalcounis-Rueppell MC. Species-specific environmental conditions for winter bat acoustic activity in North Carolina, United States. J Mammal 2020. [DOI: 10.1093/jmammal/gyaa133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Low winter temperatures are a major driver of hibernation and migration in temperate North American bats. Hibernation and migration in turn affect bat mortality via white-nose syndrome and collisions with wind turbines. To describe winter bat acoustic activity across a wide temperature gradient and to understand species-specific responses to low temperatures, we recorded nightly acoustic activity of bats at 15 sites across the state of North Carolina, United States, from December through February 2016 – 2018. Bat acoustic activity was recorded at all sites during both winters. Nightly probability of bat acoustic presence regressed positively on ambient temperature. Nightly probability of presence in Lasionycteris noctivagans (silver-haired bat) and Eptesicus fuscus (big brown bat) regressed negatively on wind speed. The mean probability of presence within the same winter condition was highest for L. noctivagans, followed by E. fuscus, Perimyotis subflavus (tricolored bat), and Lasiurus cinereus (hoary bat). Differences in species’ mean body weight and roosting preference explained part of the variation of the species-specific probability of presence. Our results can be used to predict bat acoustic presence for these species across the southeastern United States in winter, and better understand the potential threats to bats such as white-nose syndrome and wind turbine interactions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kevin A Parker
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina - Greensboro, Greensboro, NC, USA
| | - Han Li
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina - Greensboro, Greensboro, NC, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
Hicks LL, Schwab NA, Homyack JA, Jones JE, Maxell BA, Burkholder BO. A statistical approach to white-nose syndrome surveillance monitoring using acoustic data. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0241052. [PMID: 33091068 PMCID: PMC7580964 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0241052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2020] [Accepted: 10/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Traditional pathogen surveillance methods for white-nose syndrome (WNS), the most serious threat to hibernating North American bats, focus on fungal presence where large congregations of hibernating bats occur. However, in the western USA, WNS-susceptible bat species rarely assemble in large numbers and known winter roosts are uncommon features. WNS increases arousal frequency and activity of infected bats during hibernation. Our objective was to explore the effectiveness of acoustic monitoring as a surveillance tool for WNS. We propose a non-invasive approach to model pre-WNS baseline activity rates for comparison with future acoustic data after WNS is suspected to occur. We investigated relationships among bat activity, ambient temperatures, and season prior to presence of WNS across forested sites of Montana, USA where WNS was not known to occur. We used acoustic monitors to collect bat activity and ambient temperature data year-round on 41 sites, 2011-2019. We detected a diverse bat community across managed (n = 4) and unmanaged (n = 37) forest sites and recorded over 5.37 million passes from bats, including 13 identified species. Bats were active year-round, but positive associations between average of the nightly temperatures by month and bat activity were strongest in spring and fall. From these data, we developed site-specific prediction models for bat activity to account for seasonal and annual temperature variation prior to known occurrence of WNS. These prediction models can be used to monitor changes in bat activity that may signal potential presence of WNS, such as greater than expected activity in winter, or less than expected activity during summer. We propose this model-based method for future monitoring efforts that could be used to trigger targeted sampling of individual bats or hibernacula for WNS, in areas where traditional disease surveillance approaches are logistically difficult to implement or because of human-wildlife transmission concerns from COVID-19.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Jay E. Jones
- Weyerhaeuser, Seattle, WA, United States of America
| | - Bryce A. Maxell
- Montana Natural Heritage Program, Helena, Montana, United States of America
| | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
Stevens RD, Garcia CJ, Madden MA, Gregory BB, Perry RW. Seasonal Changes in the Active Bat Community of the Kisatchie National Forest, Louisiana. SOUTHEAST NAT 2020. [DOI: 10.1656/058.019.0308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Richard D. Stevens
- Department of Natural Resources Management, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX 79409
| | - Carlos J. Garcia
- Department of Natural Resources Management, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX 79409
| | - Macy A. Madden
- Department of Biological Sciences, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX 79409
| | - Beau B. Gregory
- Louisiana Natural Heritage Program, Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, 1213 N. Lakeshore Drive, Lake Charles, LA 70601
| | - Roger W. Perry
- Southern Research Station, United States Forest Service, PO Box 1270, Hot Springs, AR 71902
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Findlay SV, Barclay RMR. Acoustic Surveys for Bats are Improved by Taking Habitat Type into Account. WILDLIFE SOC B 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/wsb.1053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie V. Findlay
- Department of Biological SciencesUniversity of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NWCalgary AB Canada T2N 1N4
| | - Robert M. R. Barclay
- Department of Biological SciencesUniversity of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NWCalgary AB Canada T2N 1N4
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Springall BT, Li H, Kalcounis-Rueppell MC. The In-Flight Social Calls of Insectivorous Bats: Species Specific Behaviors and Contexts of Social Call Production. Front Ecol Evol 2019. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2019.00441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
|
20
|
Parker KA, Springall BT, Garshong RA, Malachi AN, Dorn LE, Costa-Terryll A, Mathis RA, Lewis AN, MacCheyne CL, Davis TT, Rice AD, Varh NY, Li H, Schug MD, Kalcounis-Rueppell MC. Rapid increases in bat activity and diversity after wetland construction in an urban ecosystem. WETLANDS (WILMINGTON, N.C.) 2019; 39:717-727. [PMID: 31564763 PMCID: PMC6764773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Wetland construction can mitigate the biodiversity and water quality losses associated with reduced natural wetland coverage. While beneficial effects of wetland construction for bats have been observed in natural and rural settings, the effects of wetland construction on bats in an urban ecosystem are less understood. We used passive acoustic monitoring to measure bat activity levels and diversity at two constructed wetlands and two control sites on the University of North Carolina Greensboro campus, in Greensboro, North Carolina, USA. We monitored all 4 sites before and after wetland construction. Pre-wetland construction, there were few differences in bat activity and community structure at our sites. After wetland construction, we observed greater activity, attributable to all species we recorded, at wetland sites compared to control sites. Species diversity and species richness were also higher at wetland sites compared to control sites. When comparing the same sites before and after wetland construction, both bat activity and species richness increased after construction, but the effects were seen in Winter and not Spring. Our results demonstrate that bats use constructed wetlands in urban ecosystems similarly to other habitat settings. Increases in bat activity, diversity, and species richness occurred within one year of wetland construction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kevin A Parker
- Biology Department, Eberhart Building, University of North Carolina Greensboro, 321 McIver Street, Greensboro, NC 27402
| | - Brian T Springall
- Biology Department, Eberhart Building, University of North Carolina Greensboro, 321 McIver Street, Greensboro, NC 27402
| | - Reuben A Garshong
- Biology Department, Eberhart Building, University of North Carolina Greensboro, 321 McIver Street, Greensboro, NC 27402
| | - Ashley N Malachi
- Biology Department, Eberhart Building, University of North Carolina Greensboro, 321 McIver Street, Greensboro, NC 27402
| | - Lauren E Dorn
- Kinesiology Department, Coleman Building, University of North Carolina Greensboro, 1408 Walker Avenue, Greensboro, NC 274
| | - Alicia Costa-Terryll
- Biology Department, Eberhart Building, University of North Carolina Greensboro, 321 McIver Street, Greensboro, NC 27402
| | - Rachael A Mathis
- Biology Department, Eberhart Building, University of North Carolina Greensboro, 321 McIver Street, Greensboro, NC 27402
| | - Alayna N Lewis
- Biology Department, Eberhart Building, University of North Carolina Greensboro, 321 McIver Street, Greensboro, NC 27402
| | - Cassandra L MacCheyne
- Biology Department, Eberhart Building, University of North Carolina Greensboro, 321 McIver Street, Greensboro, NC 27402
| | - Tronjay T Davis
- Biology Department, Eberhart Building, University of North Carolina Greensboro, 321 McIver Street, Greensboro, NC 27402
| | - Alexis D Rice
- Kinesiology Department, Coleman Building, University of North Carolina Greensboro, 1408 Walker Avenue, Greensboro, NC 274
| | - Nyla Y Varh
- Biology Department, Eberhart Building, University of North Carolina Greensboro, 321 McIver Street, Greensboro, NC 27402
| | - Han Li
- Biology Department, Eberhart Building, University of North Carolina Greensboro, 321 McIver Street, Greensboro, NC 27402
| | - Malcolm D Schug
- Biology Department, Eberhart Building, University of North Carolina Greensboro, 321 McIver Street, Greensboro, NC 27402
| | - Matina C Kalcounis-Rueppell
- Biology Department, Eberhart Building, University of North Carolina Greensboro, 321 McIver Street, Greensboro, NC 27402
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Neece BD, Loeb SC, Jachowski DS. Variation in regional and landscape effects on occupancy of temperate bats in the southeastern U.S. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0206857. [PMID: 30408058 PMCID: PMC6226102 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0206857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2018] [Accepted: 10/19/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Habitat loss, wind energy development, and the disease white-nose syndrome are major threats contributing to declines in bat populations in North America. In the southeastern US in particular, the recent arrival of white-nose syndrome and changes in landscape composition and configuration have driven shifts in bat species populations and distributions. Effective management strategies which address these large-scale, community-level threats require landscape-scale analyses. Our objective was to model the relationship between ecoregional and landscape factors and occupancy by all bat species in South Carolina, USA, during summer. We conducted acoustic surveys from mid-May through July 2015 and 2016 and evaluated temporally dynamic occupancy models for eight bat species or species groups at the 100 km2 level. We found significant effects of landscape factors such as ecoregion and forest edge density for three species, but habitat condition effects were not statistically significant for five other species. Thus, for some species, site-use analyses may be more appropriate than larger scale occupancy analyses. However, our occupancy predictions generally matched statewide historical distributions for all species, suggesting our approach could be useful for monitoring landscape-level trends in bat species. Thus, while our scale of study was likely too coarse for assessing fine-scale habitat associations for all bat species, our findings can improve future monitoring efforts, inform conservation priorities, and guide subsequent landscape-scale studies for bat species and community-level responses to global change.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin D. Neece
- Department of Forestry and Environmental Conservation, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina, United States of America
| | - Susan C. Loeb
- U.S. Forest Service, Southern Research Station, Clemson, South Carolina, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - David S. Jachowski
- Department of Forestry and Environmental Conservation, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Fern RR, Davis HT, Baumgardt JA, Morrison ML, Campbell TA. Summer activity patterns of four resident south Texas bat species. Glob Ecol Conserv 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gecco.2018.e00500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
|
23
|
Fraser E. Manual analysis of recorded bat echolocation calls: summary, synthesis, and proposal for increased standardization in training practices. CAN J ZOOL 2018. [DOI: 10.1139/cjz-2017-0175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Automated recording units are frequently used for passive acoustic monitoring of taxa, including bats. Detection and species-level identification of bat echolocation calls using manual techniques is a common practice, often supplementing automated analysis by software. However, few standardized protocols exist for manual analysis, which is challenging for novices and impedes comparisons among research groups. In this two-part review, I first summarize and synthesize current approaches to manual call analysis. Three observations about the processes used to conduct manual call identification emerge: (1) there are significant knowledge gaps and few comparisons of interoperator variability; (2) they are individual- and location-specific, with no standardized underlying framework; and (3) they are often not well-described in the peer-reviewed literature. In response to these observations, I then conduct a comparative analysis of the fields of clinical reasoning (the study of medical decision-making) and the identification of bat echolocation calls. Clinical reasoning is a mature area of research and findings from this field may inform practices and instructional strategies for manually identifying echolocation calls. I demonstrate similarities between clinical reasoning and call identification processes and then make recommendations on how to apply findings from the clinical reasoning literature to call identification practices and training.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- E.E. Fraser
- Environmental Science Program, Memorial University of Newfoundland – Grenfell Campus, 20 University Drive, Corner Brook, NL A2H 5G4, Canada
- Environmental Science Program, Memorial University of Newfoundland – Grenfell Campus, 20 University Drive, Corner Brook, NL A2H 5G4, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
White TM, Walea JE, Robinson J. New Record of Northern Long-eared Bats in Coastal South Carolina. SOUTHEAST NAT 2018. [DOI: 10.1656/058.017.0112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Timothy M. White
- Palmetto Bluff Conservancy, 15 Village Park Square, Bluffton, SC 29910
| | - James E. Walea
- Palmetto Bluff Conservancy, 15 Village Park Square, Bluffton, SC 29910
| | - Jason Robinson
- Biological Systems Consultants, Inc., PO Box 54594, Lexington, KY 40555
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Beck JM, Morris KM. New County Records of Little Brown and Northern Long-Eared Bats in Georgia. SOUTHEAST NAT 2017. [DOI: 10.1656/058.016.0211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
|