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Voigt CC, Bernard E, Huang JCC, Frick WF, Kerbiriou C, MacEwan K, Mathews F, Rodríguez-Durán A, Scholz C, Webala PW, Welbergen J, Whitby M. Toward solving the global green-green dilemma between wind energy production and bat conservation. Bioscience 2024; 74:240-252. [PMID: 38720909 PMCID: PMC11075649 DOI: 10.1093/biosci/biae023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Wind energy production is growing rapidly worldwide in an effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. However, wind energy production is not environmentally neutral. Negative impacts on volant animals, such as bats, include fatalities at turbines and habitat loss due to land-use change and displacement. Siting turbines away from ecologically sensitive areas and implementing measures to reduce fatalities are critical to protecting bat populations. Restricting turbine operations during periods of high bat activity is the most effective form of mitigation currently available to reduce fatalities. Compensating for habitat loss and offsetting mortality are not often practiced, because meaningful offsets are lacking. Legal frameworks to prevent or mitigate the negative impacts of wind energy on bats are absent in most countries, especially in emerging markets. Therefore, governments and lending institutions are key in reconciling wind energy production with biodiversity goals by requiring sufficient environmental standards for wind energy projects.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Enrico Bernard
- Laboratório de Ciência Aplicada a Conservação da Biodiversidade, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil
| | - Joe Chun-Chia Huang
- Department of Life Science at the National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei City, Taiwan
| | | | - Christian Kerbiriou
- Centre d'Ecologie et des Sciences de la Conservation at the Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle and the Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique at Sorbonne Université Station Marine, in Concarneau, France
| | - Kate MacEwan
- Western EcoSystems Technology, in Cheyenne, Wyoming, United States
| | - Fiona Mathews
- School of Life Sciences at the University of Sussex, Falmer, England, United Kingdom
| | | | - Carolin Scholz
- Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Berlin, Germany
| | - Paul W Webala
- Department of Forestry and Wildlife Management at Maasai Mara University, Narok, Kenya
| | - Justin Welbergen
- The Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment at Western Sydney University, Richmond, Victoria, Australia
| | - Michael Whitby
- Bat Conservation International, Austin, Texas, United States
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2
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Lagerveld S, Wilkes T, van Puijenbroek MEB, Noort BCA, Geelhoed SCV. Acoustic monitoring reveals spatiotemporal occurrence of Nathusius' pipistrelle at the southern North Sea during autumn migration. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2023; 195:1016. [PMID: 37530899 PMCID: PMC10397122 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-023-11590-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023]
Abstract
Seasonal movements between the summer and winter areas are a widespread phenomenon in bats So far, most information on the migration ecology of bats has been obtained by studies in terrestrial habitats, whereas scientific knowledge on migration over sea is scarce. We performed continuous ultrasonic acoustic monitoring at 13 locations in the southern North Sea during four consecutive years (2017-2020) and analysed the spatiotemporal occurrence of Nathusius' pipistrelle Pipistrellus nathusii during autumn migration in relation to weather parameters and lunar phase. Our analysis showed that the main autumn migration of Nathusius' pipistrelle at the southern North Sea occurs from mid-August until late October and most bats within the study area occur off the Noord Holland coast. North Sea crossings frequently last longer than one night; the day is spent roosting at an offshore structure. The strongest migration occurs during nights with tailwinds from the east-northeast, but bats are also recorded offshore with low to moderate headwinds or crosswinds. Bat presence decreased between the full moon and the last quarter and increased just before the new moon. Finally, our observations show that the occurrence of bats at sea was reduced in 2020 in comparison to the previous years. The results of this study show clear spatiotemporal patterns of migratory bat occurrence at the southern North Sea. The spatial distribution can be used in spatial planning of future offshore wind farms, whereas the temporal occurrence and environmental factors that shape offshore migration can be used to develop mitigation measures to reduce the number of bat fatalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sander Lagerveld
- Den Helder, Wageningen University & Research, Ankerpark 27, 1781 AG, den Helder, The Netherlands.
| | - Tony Wilkes
- Den Helder, Wageningen University & Research, Ankerpark 27, 1781 AG, den Helder, The Netherlands
| | | | - Bart C A Noort
- Den Helder, Wageningen University & Research, Ankerpark 27, 1781 AG, den Helder, The Netherlands
| | - Steve C V Geelhoed
- Den Helder, Wageningen University & Research, Ankerpark 27, 1781 AG, den Helder, The Netherlands
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3
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Fraser EE, McGuire LP. Prehibernation swarming in temperate bats: a critical transition between summer activity and hibernation. CAN J ZOOL 2023. [DOI: 10.1139/cjz-2022-0129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/04/2023]
Abstract
In this contribution to Dr. Brock Fenton's Festschrift, we briefly reflect on Dr. Fenton's seminal works examining bat swarming behaviour in Ontario and use these reflections as a launch pad to conduct a global review on autumn swarming in bats, and underlying hypotheses to explain this behaviour. Our review frames the swarming period as a time of critical transitions, during which bats must balance multiple life history trade-offs, and we consider how various intrinsic and extrinsic factors may contribute to inter- and intraspecific differences in autumn behaviour. We discuss the transition away from summer residency, including maternity colony breakup, day roosting, and migration during autumn. We review key life history elements of swarming, including mating behaviours and associated reproductive condition, genetic exchange during swarming, and variation among sexes, ages, and species. Finally, we discuss the behaviours and physiological states of bats transitioning from the swarming period to hibernation. Throughout, we identify common patterns and also exceptions. Over 50 years of research has yielded many insights into autumn swarming, but knowledge gaps remain. Future research focus on a greater diversity of species will reveal general principles underlying the transition from summer active season, through the swarming period, and into winter hibernation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin E. Fraser
- School of Science and the Environment, Memorial University of Newfoundland (Grenfell Campus), 20 University Drive, Corner Brook, NL A2H 5G4, Canada
| | - Liam P. McGuire
- Department of Biology, University of Waterloo, 200 University Ave W, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada
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4
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Swartz E, Weier SM, Pretorius ME, Keith M. Natural Vegetation Edges Promote Bat Activity in Macadamia Orchards in Northeastern South Africa. AFRICAN JOURNAL OF WILDLIFE RESEARCH 2022. [DOI: 10.3957/056.052.0155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Emma Swartz
- Eugène Marais Chair of Wildlife Management, Mammal Research Institute, Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X20, Pretoria, 0028 South Africa
| | - Sina M. Weier
- SARChI (NRF-DST) Research Chair on Biodiversity Value and Change, School of Mathematical & Natural Science, University of Venda, Thohoyandou, South Africa
| | - Mariëtte E. Pretorius
- Eugène Marais Chair of Wildlife Management, Mammal Research Institute, Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X20, Pretoria, 0028 South Africa
| | - Mark Keith
- Eugène Marais Chair of Wildlife Management, Mammal Research Institute, Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X20, Pretoria, 0028 South Africa
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5
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Salganek S, Weller TJ, Szewczak JM. Autumn roost-site selection by male hoary bats ( Lasiurus cinereus) in northern California. J Mammal 2022. [DOI: 10.1093/jmammal/gyac055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Effective conservation and management of a species relies upon understanding its habitat throughout its full annual cycle. For hoary bats, Lasiurus cinereus, their ecology is largely known from summer with the exception that they move long distances during autumn and spring and maintain some level of activity year-round. Autumn is a critically important period for hoary bats as they complete long-distance migrations between summer and winter range and they mate, both of which are energetically expensive. We studied hoary bat roost selection during autumn in a migratory stopover area in redwood habitat in northwestern California. We hypothesized that hoary bats select day roosts during autumn migration that minimize energetic expenditures and improve mating opportunities. We located 24 day roost sites of male hoary bats and evaluated site-level roost selection by comparing roosts with 120 random locations. We used multiple logistic regression to compare remotely sensed habitat features derived from LiDAR and other spatial data. The three most important variables for distinguishing roost from random locations were distance to creek, roads, and meadow. We speculate that selection of roosts in proximity to open spaces and flyways facilitated social behaviors related to mating that are commonly observed in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Skye Salganek
- Department of Biology, Cal Poly Humboldt , 1 Harpst Street, Arcata, California 95521 , USA
| | - Theodore J Weller
- USDA Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Research Station , 1700 Bayview Drive, Arcata, California 95521 , USA
| | - Joseph M Szewczak
- Department of Biology, Cal Poly Humboldt , 1 Harpst Street, Arcata, California 95521 , USA
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Informing wind energy development: Land cover and topography predict occupancy for Arizona bats. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0268573. [PMID: 35657796 PMCID: PMC9165840 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0268573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Wind energy is a growing source of renewable energy with a 3-fold increase in use globally over the last decade. However, wind turbines cause bat mortality, especially for migratory species. The southwest United States has high bat species diversity and is an important area for migratory species, although little is known about their seasonal distribution. To examine potential risk to bats in areas proposed for wind energy development, we characterized bat occupancy spatially and temporally across northern Arizona, identifying use during summer when bats are reproductively active and fall during the migratory season. Our objectives were to determine occupancy of migratory species and species of greatest conservation need and develop a probability of occupancy map for species to identify areas of potential conflict with wind energy development. We selected 92 sites in 10 clusters with potential for development and used acoustic detectors to sample bats in the summer and fall of 2016 and 2017 for 6 nights per site per year. We predicted response of migratory bat species and species of special concern to 9 landscape variables using Program MARK. During summer, higher densities of forest on the landscape resulted in a higher probability of occupancy of migratory species such as hoary bats (Lasiurus cinereus), silver-haired bats (Lasionycteris noctivagans), big free-tailed bats (Nyctinomops macrotis), and species of conservation need such as spotted bats (Euderma maculatum). During the fall, higher concentration of valleys on the landscape predicted occupancy of hoary bats, big free-tailed bats, and spotted bats. High bat occupancy in the fall was also associated with higher elevation and close proximity to forests. We recommend that wind turbines be placed in open, flat grasslands away from forested landscapes and concentrations of valleys or other topographic variation.
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Lewanzik D, Straka TM, Lorenz J, Marggraf L, Voigt-Heucke S, Schumann A, Brandt M, Voigt CC. Evaluating the potential of urban areas for bat conservation with citizen science data. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 297:118785. [PMID: 34979170 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.118785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Revised: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/30/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Global change, including urbanisation, threatens many of the >1400 bat species. Nevertheless, certain areas within highly urbanised cities may be suitable to harbour bat populations. Thus, managing urban habitats could contribute to bat conservation. Here, we wanted to establish evidence-based recommendations on how to improve urban spaces for the protection of bats. In a team effort with >200 citizen scientists, we recorded bat vocalisations up to six times over the course of 2 years at each of 600 predefined sites in the Berlin metropolitan area. For each species we identified the preferred and non-preferred landscape features. Our results show that artificial light at night (ALAN) had a negative impact on all species. For soprano pipistrelles and mouse-eared bats ALAN had the largest effect sizes among all environmental predictors. Canopy cover and open water were especially important for bat species that forage along vegetation edges and for trawling bats, respectively. Occurrence probability of species foraging in open space decreased with increasing distance to water bodies. On a larger scale, impervious surfaces tended to have positive effects on some species that are specialised on foraging along edge structures. Our study constitutes an important contribution to the growing body of literature showing that despite the many negative impacts of urbanisation on wildlife, urban environments can harbour bat populations if certain conditions are met, such as access to vegetation and water bodies and low levels of ALAN. Our findings are of high relevance for urban planners and conservationists, as they allow inferences on how to manage urban spaces in a bat-friendly way. We recommend limiting ALAN to the minimum necessary and maintaining and creating uninterrupted vegetated corridors between areas with high levels of canopy cover and water bodies, in which ALAN should be entirely avoided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Lewanzik
- Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Alfred-Kowalke-Str. 17, 10315, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Tanja M Straka
- Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Alfred-Kowalke-Str. 17, 10315, Berlin, Germany
| | - Julia Lorenz
- Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Alfred-Kowalke-Str. 17, 10315, Berlin, Germany
| | - Lara Marggraf
- Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Alfred-Kowalke-Str. 17, 10315, Berlin, Germany
| | - Silke Voigt-Heucke
- Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Alfred-Kowalke-Str. 17, 10315, Berlin, Germany
| | - Anke Schumann
- Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Alfred-Kowalke-Str. 17, 10315, Berlin, Germany
| | - Miriam Brandt
- Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Alfred-Kowalke-Str. 17, 10315, Berlin, Germany
| | - Christian C Voigt
- Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Alfred-Kowalke-Str. 17, 10315, Berlin, Germany
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8
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Kruszynski C, Bailey LD, Bach L, Bach P, Fritze M, Lindecke O, Teige T, Voigt CC. High vulnerability of juvenile Nathusius' pipistrelle bats (Pipistrellus nathusii) at wind turbines. ECOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS : A PUBLICATION OF THE ECOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2022; 32:e2513. [PMID: 34877754 DOI: 10.1002/eap.2513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Revised: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Large numbers of bats are killed by wind turbines globally, yet the specific demographic consequences of wind turbine mortality are still unclear. In this study, we compared characteristics of Nathusius' pipistrelles (Pipistrellus nathusii) killed at wind turbines (N = 119) to those observed within the live population (N = 524) during the summer migration period in Germany. We used generalized linear mixed-effects modeling to identify demographic groups most vulnerable to wind turbine mortality, including sex (female or male), age (adult or juvenile), and geographic origin (regional or long-distance migrant; depicted by fur stable hydrogen isotope ratios). Juveniles contributed with a higher proportion of carcasses at wind turbines than expected given their frequency in the live population suggesting that juvenile bats may be particularly vulnerable to wind turbine mortality. This effect varied with wind turbine density. Specifically, at low wind turbine densities, representing mostly inland areas with water bodies and forests where Nathusius' pipistrelles breed, juveniles were found more often dead beneath turbines than expected based on their abundance in the live population. At high wind turbine densities, representing mostly coastal areas where Nathusius' pipistrelles migrate, adults and juveniles were equally vulnerable. We found no evidence of increased vulnerability to wind turbines in either sex, yet we observed a higher proportion of females than males among both carcasses and the live population, which may reflect a female bias in the live population most likely caused by females migrating from their northeastern breeding areas migrating into Germany. A high mortality of females is conservation concern for this migratory bat species because it affects the annual reproduction rate of populations. A distant origin did not influence the likelihood of getting killed at wind turbines. A disproportionately high vulnerability of juveniles to wind turbine mortality may reduce juvenile recruitment, which may limit the resilience of Nathusius' pipistrelles to environmental stressors such as climate change or habitat loss. Schemes to mitigate wind turbine mortality, such as elevated cut-in speeds, should be implemented throughout Europe to prevent population declines of Nathusius' pipistrelles and other migratory bats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecilia Kruszynski
- Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Berlin, Germany
- Institute of Biology, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Liam D Bailey
- Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Berlin, Germany
| | - Lothar Bach
- Bach Freilandforschung, zoologische Gutachten, Bremen, Germany
| | - Petra Bach
- Bach Freilandforschung, zoologische Gutachten, Bremen, Germany
| | - Marcus Fritze
- Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Berlin, Germany
| | - Oliver Lindecke
- Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Berlin, Germany
| | - Tobias Teige
- Büro für faunistische Fachgutachten, Berlin, Germany
| | - Christian C Voigt
- Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Berlin, Germany
- Institute of Biology, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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9
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The first record of European free-tailed bat, Tadarida teniotis Rafinesque, 1814, and note on probable elevational movement from Nepal. JOURNAL OF ASIA-PACIFIC BIODIVERSITY 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.japb.2021.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
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10
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Bhattarai PK, Sharma B, Neupane A, Kunwar S, Dhungana P. Bat diversity in the Banpale forest, Pokhara, Nepal during spring season. JOURNAL OF THREATENED TAXA 2021. [DOI: 10.11609/jott.6263.13.6.18479-18489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Bat research in Nepal is limited and most areas remain to be explored. Sparse research has been conducted in the Banpale forest and to improve the understanding of bat diversity, an updated species checklist was prepared. Trapping surveys using mist nets were conducted at four different locations in the forest from March to May 2018. This survey identified 55 individuals belonging to eight species within eight genera and four families. Trapping locations near less disturbed forest edges and water resources were found to have higher bat diversity compared to highly disturbed areas (e.g., landslides and logging areas). With information from survey and secondary source, we conclude that Banpale forest harbours 10 of the 53 bat species found in Nepal. We recommend adopting practices to conserve the forest from landslides and minimizing illegal logging to conserve bat forest habitats.
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11
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Wieringa JG, Carstens BC, Gibbs HL. Predicting migration routes for three species of migratory bats using species distribution models. PeerJ 2021; 9:e11177. [PMID: 33959415 PMCID: PMC8054759 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.11177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2020] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding seasonal variation in the distribution and movement patterns of migratory species is essential to monitoring and conservation efforts. While there are many species of migratory bats in North America, little is known about their seasonal movements. In terms of conservation, this is important because the bat fatalities from wind energy turbines are significant and may fluctuate seasonally. Here we describe seasonally resolved distributions for the three species that are most impacted by wind farms (Lasiurus borealis (eastern red bat), L. cinereus (hoary bat) and Lasionycteris noctivagans (silver-haired bat)) and use these distributions to infer their most likely migratory pathways. To accomplish this, we collected 2,880 occurrence points from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility over five decades in North America to model species distributions on a seasonal basis and used an ensemble approach for modeling distributions. This dataset included 1,129 data points for L. borealis, 917 for L. cinereus and 834 for L. noctivagans. The results suggest that all three species exhibit variation in distributions from north to south depending on season, with each species showing potential migratory pathways during the fall migration that follow linear features. Finally, we describe proposed migratory pathways for these three species that can be used to identify stop-over sites, assess small-scale migration and highlight areas that should be prioritized for actions to reduce the effects of wind farm mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamin G Wieringa
- Department of Evolution, Ecology and Organismal Biology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA.,Ohio Biodiversity Conservation Partnership, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Bryan C Carstens
- Department of Evolution, Ecology and Organismal Biology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - H Lisle Gibbs
- Department of Evolution, Ecology and Organismal Biology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA.,Ohio Biodiversity Conservation Partnership, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
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Kruszynski C, Bailey LD, Courtiol A, Bach L, Bach P, Göttsche M, Göttsche M, Hill R, Lindecke O, Matthes H, Pommeranz H, Popa-Lisseanu AG, Seebens-Hoyer A, Tichomirowa M, Voigt CC. Identifying migratory pathways of Nathusius' pipistrelles (Pipistrellus nathusii) using stable hydrogen and strontium isotopes. RAPID COMMUNICATIONS IN MASS SPECTROMETRY : RCM 2021; 35:e9031. [PMID: 33336436 DOI: 10.1002/rcm.9031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2020] [Revised: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE Identifying migratory corridors of animals is essential for their effective protection, yet the exact location of such corridors is often unknown, particularly for elusive animals such as bats. While migrating along the German coastline, Nathusius' pipistrelles (Pipistrellus nathusii) are regularly killed at wind turbines. Therefore, we explored the paths taken on their annual journey. METHODS We used isotope ratio mass spectrometry to measure stable hydrogen and strontium isotope ratios in fur keratin of 59 Nathusius' pipistrelles captured on three offshore islands. Samples were pre-treated before analysis to report exclusively stable isotope ratios of non-exchangeable hydrogen. We generated maps to predict summer origins of bats using isoscape models. RESULTS Bats were classified as long-distance migrants, mostly originating from Eastern Europe. Hydrogen analysis suggested for some bats a possible Fennoscandian origin, yet additional information from strontium analysis excluded this possibility. Instead, our data suggest that most Nathusius' pipistrelles migrating along the German coastline were of continental European summer origin, but also highlight the possibility that Nathusius' pipistrelles of Baltorussian origin may travel offshore from Fennoscandia to Germany. CONCLUSIONS Our findings demonstrate the benefit of using complementary isotopic tracers for analysing the migratory pathways of bats and also potentially other terrestrial vertebrate species. Furthermore, data from our study suggest an offset of fur strontium isotope ratios in relation to local bedrock.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecilia Kruszynski
- Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Alfred-Kowalke-Str. 17, Berlin, 10315, Germany
- Institute of Biology, Freie Universität Berlin, Königin-Luise-Str. 1-3, Berlin, 14195, Germany
| | - Liam D Bailey
- Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Alfred-Kowalke-Str. 17, Berlin, 10315, Germany
| | - Alexandre Courtiol
- Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Alfred-Kowalke-Str. 17, Berlin, 10315, Germany
| | - Lothar Bach
- Freilandforschung, zoologische Gutachten, Hamfhofsweg 125b, Bremen, 28357, Germany
| | - Petra Bach
- Freilandforschung, zoologische Gutachten, Hamfhofsweg 125b, Bremen, 28357, Germany
| | | | - Michael Göttsche
- Faunistica - Büro für ökologische & faunistische Freilanduntersuchungen, Jaguarring 4, Bad Segeberg, 23795, Germany
| | | | - Oliver Lindecke
- Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Alfred-Kowalke-Str. 17, Berlin, 10315, Germany
- Institute of Biology, Freie Universität Berlin, Königin-Luise-Str. 1-3, Berlin, 14195, Germany
| | | | | | - Ana G Popa-Lisseanu
- Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Alfred-Kowalke-Str. 17, Berlin, 10315, Germany
| | | | - Marion Tichomirowa
- Institut für Mineralogie, Technische Universität Bergakademie Freiberg, Brennhausgasse 14, Freiberg, 09599, Germany
| | - Christian C Voigt
- Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Alfred-Kowalke-Str. 17, Berlin, 10315, Germany
- Institute of Biology, Freie Universität Berlin, Königin-Luise-Str. 1-3, Berlin, 14195, Germany
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13
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Gaultier SP, Blomberg AS, Ijäs A, Vasko V, Vesterinen EJ, Brommer JE, Lilley TM. Bats and Wind Farms: The Role and Importance of the Baltic Sea Countries in the European Context of Power Transition and Biodiversity Conservation. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2020; 54:10385-10398. [PMID: 32830494 PMCID: PMC7497642 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.0c00070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2020] [Revised: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 07/30/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Although labeled as environmentally friendly, wind power can have negative impacts on the environment, such as habitat destruction or wildlife fatalities. Considering the distribution and migratory characteristics of European bats, the negative effects of wind power should be addressed on an appropriate scale. This review summarizes the current state of knowledge on interactions between wind farms and bats in Europe, and compares it with the situation in the countries of the European boreal biogeographic region. We analyzed data from papers published in international and national scientific journals, focusing on studies conducted in Europe. The issue of the impacts wind power has on bats is clearly overlooked in most of the countries of the European boreal region, with low volumes of research available on the topic. This is probably due to fewer wind farms in the area, making this recent issue a less-prioritized topic. However, the Baltic Sea, and the countries surrounding it, are of extreme importance with regards to bat migration, especially for the Pipistrellus nathusii. Therefore, more research on wind power and bats is needed in this region, as well as more cooperation between all the stakeholders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon P. Gaultier
- Biodiversity
Unit, University of Turku, Vesilinnantie 5 20500 Turku, Finland
| | - Anna S. Blomberg
- Department
of Biology, University of Turku, Vesilinnantie 5 20500 Turku, Finland
| | - Asko Ijäs
- Brahea
Centre/Centre for Maritime Studies, University
of Turku, Pohjoisranta 11 D 28100 Pori, Finland
| | - Ville Vasko
- Finnish
Museum of Natural History, University of
Helsinki, Pohjoinen Rautatiekatu 13, 00100 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Eero J. Vesterinen
- Biodiversity
Unit, University of Turku, Vesilinnantie 5 20500 Turku, Finland
- Department
of Biology, University of Turku, Vesilinnantie 5 20500 Turku, Finland
- Department
of Insect Ecology, Swedish University of
Agricultural Sciences, Almas Allé 8, 750 07 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Jon E. Brommer
- Department
of Biology, University of Turku, Vesilinnantie 5 20500 Turku, Finland
| | - Thomas M. Lilley
- Finnish
Museum of Natural History, University of
Helsinki, Pohjoinen Rautatiekatu 13, 00100 Helsinki, Finland
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14
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Bat activity and evidence of bat migration at two high elevation passes in the Western Alps. EUR J WILDLIFE RES 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s10344-020-01402-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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15
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Cortes KM, Gillam EH. Assessing the use of rivers as migratory corridors for temperate bats. J Mammal 2020. [DOI: 10.1093/jmammal/gyz211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Investigating landscape-level movement patterns of migratory animals can be challenging, but this is a major component of some animal’s life history and behavior. In particular, bat migration has been difficult to characterize, yet recent research on bat migratory ecology has made major advances. It has been largely accepted that rivers and other linear landscape features may be important migratory corridors for bats during both long- and short-distance migrations. We assessed the migratory behavior of multiple temperate bat species along the Missouri River, a major river corridor in North Dakota, during March through October of 2016–2017. Bat detectors with paired microphones were deployed and oriented parallel to the riverbank. This configuration permitted detection of directional passes of bats, approximately 10–20 m above the microphones and 40 m into the river, which were used as an estimate of migratory behavior. We found the effects of season and species explained less than 2% of the variation of directional passes, indicating an absence of season-specific movement patterns along the studied river corridor. Although our study only assessed a portion of a major river corridor, the results suggest that migratory movements of bats along rivers may not be as straightforward as once thought, highlighting the need for future studies investigating the fine-scaled movement patterns of bats during migration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin M Cortes
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND, USA
| | - Erin H Gillam
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND, USA
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Loureiro LO, Engstrom MD, Lim BK. Comparative phylogeography of mainland and insular species of Neotropical molossid bats ( Molossus). Ecol Evol 2020; 10:389-409. [PMID: 31993120 PMCID: PMC6972955 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.5903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2019] [Revised: 11/13/2019] [Accepted: 11/15/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Historical events, habitat preferences, and geographic barriers might result in distinct genetic patterns in insular versus mainland populations. Comparison between these two biogeographic systems provides an opportunity to investigate the relative role of isolation in phylogeographic patterns and to elucidate the importance of evolution and demographic history in population structure. Herein, we use a genotype-by-sequencing approach (GBS) to explore population structure within three species of mastiff bats (Molossus molossus, M. coibensis, and M. milleri), which represent different ecological histories and geographical distributions in the genus. We tested the hypotheses that oceanic straits serve as barriers to dispersal in Caribbean bats and that isolated island populations are more likely to experience genetic drift and bottlenecks in comparison with highly connected ones, thus leading to different phylogeographic patterns. We show that population structures vary according to general habitat preferences, levels of population isolation, and historical fluctuations in climate. In our dataset, mainland geographic barriers played only a small role in isolation of lineages. However, oceanic straits posed a partial barrier to the dispersal for some populations within some species (M. milleri), but do not seem to disrupt gene flow in others (M. molossus). Lineages on distant islands undergo genetic bottlenecks more frequently than island lineages closer to the mainland, which have a greater exchange of haplotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Livia O. Loureiro
- Department of Natural HistoryRoyal Ontario MuseumTorontoONCanada
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary BiologyUniversity of TorontoTorontoONCanada
| | - Mark D. Engstrom
- Department of Natural HistoryRoyal Ontario MuseumTorontoONCanada
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary BiologyUniversity of TorontoTorontoONCanada
| | - Burton K. Lim
- Department of Natural HistoryRoyal Ontario MuseumTorontoONCanada
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Bartonička T, Miketová N, Hulva P. High Throughput Bioacoustic Monitoring and Phenology of the Greater Noctule Bat (Nyctalus lasiopterus) Compared to Other Migratory Species. ACTA CHIROPTEROLOGICA 2019. [DOI: 10.3161/15081109acc2019.21.1.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Tomáš Bartonička
- Department of Botany and Zoology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kotlářská 2, 611 37 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Nikola Miketová
- Department of Biology and Ecology, University of Ostrava, Chittussiho 10, 710 00 Ostrava, Czech Republic
| | - Pavel Hulva
- Vertebrate Zoology Research Group,Department of Zoology,Charles University, Viničná 7, 128 42 Prague, Czech Republic
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18
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Sasse DB. Gray Bat Day Roosts in Concrete Barriers on Bridges during Migration. AMERICAN MIDLAND NATURALIST 2019. [DOI: 10.1674/0003-0031-182.1.124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- D. Blake Sasse
- Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, 213A Highway 89 South, Mayflower Arkansas, 72106
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Lindecke O, Elksne A, Holland RA, Pētersons G, Voigt CC. Orientation and flight behaviour identify the Soprano pipistrelle as a migratory bat species at the Baltic Sea coast. J Zool (1987) 2019. [DOI: 10.1111/jzo.12654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- O. Lindecke
- Department of Evolutionary Ecology Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research Berlin Germany
- Institute of Biology Freie Universität Berlin Berlin Germany
| | - A. Elksne
- Institute of Biology University of Latvia Salaspils Latvia
| | - R. A. Holland
- School of Biological Sciences Bangor University Bangor UK
| | - G. Pētersons
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies Jelgava Latvia
| | - C. C. Voigt
- Department of Evolutionary Ecology Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research Berlin Germany
- Institute of Biology Freie Universität Berlin Berlin Germany
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Activity Patterns of Bats During the Fall and Spring Along Ridgelines in the Central Appalachians. JOURNAL OF FISH AND WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT 2019. [DOI: 10.3996/082018-jfwm-072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Many central Appalachian ridges offer high wind potential, making them attractive to future wind-energy development. Understanding seasonal and hourly activity patterns of migratory bat species may help to reduce fatalities at wind-energy facilities and provide guidance for the development of best management practices for bats. To examine hourly migratory bat activity patterns in the fall and spring in Virginia in an exploratory fashion with a suite of general temporal, environmental, and weather variables, we acoustically monitored bat activity on five ridgelines and side slopes from early September through mid-November 2015 and 2016 and from early March through late April 2016 and 2017. On ridges, bat activity decreased through the autumn sample period, but was more variable through the spring sample period. In autumn, migratory bat activity had largely ceased by mid-November. Activity patterns were species specific in both autumn and spring sample periods. Generally, migratory bat activity was negatively associated with hourly wind speeds but positively associated with ambient temperatures. These data provide further evidence that operational mitigation strategies at wind-energy facilities could help protect migratory bat species in the Appalachians; substantially slowing or locking wind turbine blade spin during periods of low wind speeds, often below where electricity is generated, and warm ambient temperatures may minimize mortality during periods of high bat activity.
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Trubitt RT, Hovick TJ, Gillam EH, McGranahan DA. Habitat associations of bats in a working rangeland landscape. Ecol Evol 2019; 9:598-608. [PMID: 30680140 PMCID: PMC6342184 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.4782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2018] [Revised: 11/01/2018] [Accepted: 11/09/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Land-use change has resulted in rangeland loss and degradation globally. These changes include conversion of native grasslands for row-crop agriculture as well as degradation of remaining rangeland due to fragmentation and changing disturbance regimes. Understanding how these and other factors influence wildlife use of rangelands is important for conservation and management of wildlife populations. We investigated bat habitat associations in a working rangeland in southeastern North Dakota. We used Petterson d500x acoustic detectors to systematically sample bat activity across the study area on a 1-km point grid. We identified calls using Sonobat autoclassification software. We detected five species using this working rangeland, which included Lasionycteris noctivagans (2,722 detections), Lasiurus cinereus (2,055 detections), Eptesicus fuscus (749 detections), Lasiurus borealis (62 detections), and Myotis lucifugus (1 detection). We developed generalized linear mixed-effects models for the four most frequently detected species based on their ecology. The activity of three bat species increased with higher tree cover. While the scale of selection varied between the four species, all three investigated scales were explanatory for at least one bat species. The broad importance of trees to bats in rangelands may put their conservation needs at odds with those of obligate grassland species. Focusing rangeland bat conservation on areas that were treed prior to European settlement, such as riparian forests, can provide important areas for bat conservation while minimizing negative impacts on grassland species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca T. Trubitt
- School of Natural Resource Sciences—Range ProgramNorth Dakota State UniversityFargoNorth Dakota
| | - Torre J. Hovick
- School of Natural Resource Sciences—Range ProgramNorth Dakota State UniversityFargoNorth Dakota
| | - Erin H. Gillam
- Department of Biological SciencesNorth Dakota State UniversityFargoNorth Dakota
| | - Devan A. McGranahan
- School of Natural Resource Sciences—Range ProgramNorth Dakota State UniversityFargoNorth Dakota
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Roeleke M, Johannsen L, Voigt CC. How Bats Escape the Competitive Exclusion Principle—Seasonal Shift From Intraspecific to Interspecific Competition Drives Space Use in a Bat Ensemble. Front Ecol Evol 2018. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2018.00101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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Todd VLG, Waters DA. Small Scale Habitat Preferences of Myotis daubentonii, Pipistrellus pipistrellus, and Potential Aerial Prey in an Upland River Valley. ACTA CHIROPTEROLOGICA 2017. [DOI: 10.3161/15081109acc2017.19.2.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Louise Georgia Todd
- Ocean Science Consulting Ltd. Spott Road, Dunbar, East Lothian, EH42 1RR, Scotland, United Kingdom
- School of Media Arts and Technology, Southampton Solent University, East Park Terrace, Southampton SO14 0YN, United Kingdom
| | - Dean Andrew Waters
- Environment Department, University of York, Wentworth Way, Heslington, York YO10 5NG, United Kingdom
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24
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Krauel JJ, McGuire LP, Boyles JG. Testing traditional assumptions about regional migration in bats. MAMMAL RES 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/s13364-017-0346-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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25
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Ijäs A, Kahilainen A, Vasko VV, Lilley TM. Evidence of the Migratory Bat, Pipistrellus nathusii, Aggregating to the Coastlines in the Northern Baltic Sea. ACTA CHIROPTEROLOGICA 2017. [DOI: 10.3161/15081109acc2017.19.1.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Asko Ijäs
- Brahea Centre, Centre for Maritime Studies, University of Turku, 28101 Pori, Finland
| | - Aapo Kahilainen
- Metapopulation Research Centre, Department of Biosciences, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Ville V. Vasko
- Department of Biology, University of Turku, 20014 Turun yliopisto, Finland
| | - Thomas M Lilley
- Biodiversity Unit, University of Turku, 20014 Turun yliopisto, Finland
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Winter Activity of Coastal Plain Populations of Bat Species Affected by White-Nose Syndrome and Wind Energy Facilities. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0166512. [PMID: 27851832 PMCID: PMC5112809 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0166512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2015] [Accepted: 10/31/2016] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Across the entire distribution of a species, populations may have variable responses to environmental perturbations. Many bat species experience mortality in large portions of their range during hibernation and along migratory paths to and from wintering grounds, from White-nose syndrome (WNS) and wind energy development, respectively. In some areas, warm temperatures may allow bats to remain active through winter, thus decreasing their susceptibility to WNS and/or mortality associated with migration to wintering grounds. These areas could act as a refugia and be important for the persistence of local populations. To determine if warmer temperatures affect bat activity, we compared year-round activity of bat populations in the Coastal Plain and Piedmont of North Carolina, USA, two regions that differ in winter temperature. We established six recording stations, four along a 295-kilometer north-south transect in the Coastal Plain, and two in the Piedmont of North Carolina. We recorded bat activity over two years. We supplemented our recordings with mist-net data. Although bat activity was lower during winter at all sites, the odds of recording a bat during winter were higher at Coastal Plain sites when compared with Piedmont sites. Further, bats in the Piedmont had a lower level of winter activity compared to summer activity than bats in the Coastal Plain that had more similar levels of activity in the winter and summer. We found high bat species richness on the Coastal Plain in winter, with winter-active species including those known to hibernate throughout most of their range and others known to be long distance migrants. In particular, two species impacted by WNS, the northern long-eared bat (Myotis septentrionalis) and tricolored bat (Perimyotis subflavus), were present year round in the Coastal Plain. The tricolored bat was also present year-round in the Piedmont. In the Coastal Plain, the long distance migratory hoary bat (Lasiurus cinereus) was active in the winter but not present during the other seasons, and the long distance migratory silver-haired bat (Lasionycteris noctivagans) was active primarily in the winter, suggesting the Coastal Plain may be an overwintering ground for these two species. We suggest that the winter activity exhibited by populations of bats on the North Carolina Coastal Plain has important conservation implications and these populations should be carefully monitored and afforded protection.
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Jonasson KA, Guglielmo CG. Sex differences in spring migration timing and body composition of silver-haired batsLasionycteris noctivagans. J Mammal 2016. [DOI: 10.1093/jmammal/gyw119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
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Voigt-Heucke SL, Zimmer S, Kipper S. Does Interspecific Eavesdropping Promote Aerial Aggregations in European Pipistrelle Bats During Autumn? Ethology 2016. [DOI: 10.1111/eth.12519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Silke L. Voigt-Heucke
- Animal Behaviour Group; Institute of Biology; Freie Universität Berlin; Berlin Germany
| | - Stefanie Zimmer
- Animal Behaviour Group; Institute of Biology; Freie Universität Berlin; Berlin Germany
| | - Silke Kipper
- Animal Behaviour Group; Institute of Biology; Freie Universität Berlin; Berlin Germany
- Chair of Zoology; Technische Universität München; Freising Germany
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Voigt CC, Lindecke O, Schönborn S, Kramer-Schadt S, Lehmann D. Habitat use of migratory bats killed during autumn at wind turbines. ECOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS : A PUBLICATION OF THE ECOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2016; 26:771-783. [PMID: 27411249 DOI: 10.1890/15-0671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The killing of large numbers of migratory bats at wind turbines is a pressing conservation problem. Even though avoidance and mitigation measures could benefit from a better knowledge of the species' migratory habits, we lack basic information about what habitats and corridors bats use during migration. We studied the isotopic niche dimensions of three bat species that are frequently killed at wind turbines in Germany: non-migratory Pipistrellus pipistrellus, mid-distance migratory Nyctalus noctula, and long- distance migratory Pipistrellus nathusii. We measured stable carbon and nitrogen isotope ratios (δ¹³C, δ¹⁵N) in five tissues that differed in isotopic retention time (fur, wing membrane tissue, muscle, liver, blood) to shed light on the species-specific habitat use during the autumn migration period using standard ellipse areas (SEAc). Further, we used stable isotope ratios of non-exchangeable hydrogen (δ²H(K)) in fur keratin to assess the breeding origin of bats. We inferred from isotopic composition (δ¹³C, δ¹⁵N) of fur keratin that isotopic niche dimensions of P. nathusii was distinct from that of N. noctula and P. pipistrellus, probably because P. nathusii was using more aquatic habitats than the other two species. Isoscape origin models supported that traveled distances before dying at wind turbines was largest for P. nathusii, intermediate for N. noctula, and shortest for P. pipistrellus. Isotopic niche dimensions calculated for each sample type separately reflected the species' migratory behavior. Pipistrellus pipistrellus and N. noctula showed similar isotopic niche breadth across all tissue types, whereas SEAc values of P. nathusii increased in tissues with slow turnaround time. Isotopic data suggested that P. nathusii consistently used aquatic habitats throughout the autumn period, whereas N. noctula showed a stronger association with terrestrial habitats during autumn compared to the pre-migration period.
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Schuster E, Bulling L, Köppel J. Consolidating the State of Knowledge: A Synoptical Review of Wind Energy's Wildlife Effects. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2015; 56:300-31. [PMID: 25910869 PMCID: PMC4493795 DOI: 10.1007/s00267-015-0501-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2014] [Accepted: 04/10/2015] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Wind energy development contributes substantially to achieve climate protection goals. Unintended side effects, especially on wildlife, have long been discussed and substantial research has evolved over the last decade. At this stage, it is important to identify what we have learnt so far, as well as which predominant uncertainties and gaps remain. This review article aims to consolidate the state of knowledge, providing a qualitative analysis of the main effects of wind energy development on- and offshore, focusing on frequently studied species groups (bats, breeding and resting birds, raptors, migratory birds, marine mammals). We reviewed over 220 publications from which we identified predominant hypotheses that were summarized and displayed in tables. Journal publications, conference contributions, and further studies have been considered. We found that research focusing on offshore wind energy within the last couple of years has increased significantly as well, catching up with the vast amount of onshore studies. Some hypotheses have been verified by numerous publications and a consensus has been reached (e.g., correlation between bat activity and weather factors), while others are still being debated more (e.g., determination of migratory corridors) or remain unknown (e.g., effect on population level). Factors influencing potential effects were mainly related to species characteristics (morphology, phenology, abundance, behavior, and response to turbines) or site characteristics (landscape features, weather, and habitat quality). Consolidating the state of research provides the groundwork for the identification of mitigation measures and advanced planning approaches. However, the quantification of effects remains challenging and uncertainties will always persist.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Schuster
- Environmental Assessment and Planning Research Group, Berlin Institute of Technology, Strasse des 17. Juni 145, 10623, Berlin, Germany,
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31
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Rydell J, Bach L, Bach P, Diaz LG, Furmankiewicz J, Hagner-Wahlsten N, Kyheröinen EM, Lilley T, Masing M, Meyer MM, Ptersons G, Šuba J, Vasko V, Vintulis V, Hedenström A. Phenology of Migratory Bat Activity Across the Baltic Sea and the South-Eastern North Sea. ACTA CHIROPTEROLOGICA 2014. [DOI: 10.3161/150811014x683354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Simons RRL, Gale P, Horigan V, Snary EL, Breed AC. Potential for introduction of bat-borne zoonotic viruses into the EU: a review. Viruses 2014; 6:2084-121. [PMID: 24841385 PMCID: PMC4036546 DOI: 10.3390/v6052084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2014] [Revised: 04/10/2014] [Accepted: 05/06/2014] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Bat-borne viruses can pose a serious threat to human health, with examples including Nipah virus (NiV) in Bangladesh and Malaysia, and Marburg virus (MARV) in Africa. To date, significant human outbreaks of such viruses have not been reported in the European Union (EU). However, EU countries have strong historical links with many of the countries where NiV and MARV are present and a corresponding high volume of commercial trade and human travel, which poses a potential risk of introduction of these viruses into the EU. In assessing the risks of introduction of these bat-borne zoonotic viruses to the EU, it is important to consider the location and range of bat species known to be susceptible to infection, together with the virus prevalence, seasonality of viral pulses, duration of infection and titre of virus in different bat tissues. In this paper, we review the current scientific knowledge of all these factors, in relation to the introduction of NiV and MARV into the EU.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robin R L Simons
- Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency (AHVLA), Epidemiology, Surveillance & Risk Group, New Haw, Surrey, Addlestone KT15 3NB, UK.
| | - Paul Gale
- Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency (AHVLA), Epidemiology, Surveillance & Risk Group, New Haw, Surrey, Addlestone KT15 3NB, UK.
| | - Verity Horigan
- Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency (AHVLA), Epidemiology, Surveillance & Risk Group, New Haw, Surrey, Addlestone KT15 3NB, UK.
| | - Emma L Snary
- Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency (AHVLA), Epidemiology, Surveillance & Risk Group, New Haw, Surrey, Addlestone KT15 3NB, UK.
| | - Andrew C Breed
- Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency (AHVLA), Epidemiology, Surveillance & Risk Group, New Haw, Surrey, Addlestone KT15 3NB, UK.
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Fly-and-Forage Strategy in the Bat Pipistrellus nathusii During Autumn Migration. ACTA CHIROPTEROLOGICA 2012. [DOI: 10.3161/150811012x661693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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McGuire LP, Guglielmo CG, Mackenzie SA, Taylor PD. Migratory stopover in the long-distance migrant silver-haired bat, Lasionycteris noctivagans. J Anim Ecol 2011; 81:377-85. [PMID: 21954938 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2656.2011.01912.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
1. Some bat species make long-distance latitudinal migrations between summer and winter grounds, but because of their elusive nature, few aspects of their biology are well understood. The need for migratory stopover sites to rest and refuel, such as used by birds, has been repeatedly suggested, but not previously tested empirically in bats. 2. We studied migrating silver-haired bats (Lasionycteris noctivagans) at Long Point, ON, Canada. We used digital radio-transmitters to track 30 bats using an array of five towers that effectively covered the entire region (c. 20 × 40 km). We measured stopover duration and departure direction, and documented movement patterns, foraging activity and roost sites. We measured body composition on arrival using quantitative magnetic resonance and simulated long-distance migration using observed body composition to predict migration range and rate. 3. Migration occurred in two waves (late August and mid-September). Most bats stayed 1-2 days, although two remained >2 weeks. One third of the bats foraged while at the site, many foraging opportunistically on nights when rain precluded continued migration. Bats roosted in a variety of tree species and manmade structures in natural and developed areas. Half of the bats departed across Lake Erie (minimum crossing distance c. 38 km) while half departed along the shoreline. 4. Simulations predicted a migration rate of c. 250-275 km per day and suggest that all but one of the bats in our study carried sufficient fuel stores to reach the putative wintering area (estimated distance 1500 km) without further refuelling. 5. Our results suggest that migrating bats stopover for sanctuary or short-term rest as opposed to extended rest and refuelling as in many songbirds. Daily torpor could reduce energy costs when not in flight, minimizing the need for extended stopovers and allowing bats to potentially complete their migration at a fraction of the time and energy cost of similar sized birds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liam P McGuire
- Department of Biology, Advanced Facility for Avian Research, University of Western Ontario, 1151 Richmond St N, London, ON N6A 5B7, Canada.
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Mehr M, Brandl R, Hothorn T, Dziock F, Förster B, Müller J. Land use is more important than climate for species richness and composition of bat assemblages on a regional scale. Mamm Biol 2011. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mambio.2010.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Johnson JS, Watrous KS, Giumarro GJ, Peterson TS, Boyden SA, Lacki MJ. Seasonal and Geographic Trends in Acoustic Detection of Tree-Roosting Bats. ACTA CHIROPTEROLOGICA 2011. [DOI: 10.3161/150811011x578705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Cryan PM, Barclay RMR. Causes of Bat Fatalities at Wind Turbines: Hypotheses and Predictions. J Mammal 2009. [DOI: 10.1644/09-mamm-s-076r1.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 139] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
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