Activity patterns and habitat preferences of insectivorous bats in a West African forest–savanna mosaic

2004 ◽  
Vol 20 (4) ◽  
pp. 397-407 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christoph F. J. Meyer ◽  
Christian J. Schwarz ◽  
Jakob Fahr
Keyword(s):  
Open Space ◽  
Activity Patterns ◽  
Habitat Preferences ◽  
Light Trap ◽  
Negative Influence ◽  
Foraging Activity ◽  
The Moon ◽  
Constant Frequency ◽  
Insectivorous Bats ◽  
Bat Activity

We studied activity patterns and habitat use by insectivorous bats in Comoé National Park, Ivory Coast. Bat foraging activity was quantified along five transects representing three different habitat types using acoustic monitoring and captures with mist nets and harp traps. Aerial insect abundance was assessed using a light trap; in addition shrub and tree arthropods were sampled. Bat activity was significantly and positively related to insect availability and ambient temperature, whereas increased visibility of the moon had a negative influence on flight activity. Together, these factors best explained both total bat activity and activity of bats hunting in open space and edge habitats. The interaction between temperature and light intensity was the best predictor of activity by species foraging in obstacle-rich forest habitats, however, the regression model had a low predictive value. Overall, a large proportion (c. 50%) of the variation in bat activity appeared to be a consequence of transect- and/or habitat-specific influences. We found a significant non-linear relationship between the activity of QCF (quasi-constant frequency) and FM–QCF (frequency modulated – quasi-constant frequency) bats and the phase of the moon, with lowest levels of activity occurring near full moon. We interpret this lunar-phobic behaviour as a reflection of a higher predation risk during moonlit periods. For FM (steep frequency modulated) and CF (constant frequency) bats, no significant correlation was found, although there was a trend suggesting that these bats at least were not negatively affected by bright moonlight. Foraging activity of bats was positively correlated with the abundance of atympanate moths; however, no such correlation was found for tympanate moths.

Activity patterns of insectivorous bats during a seasonal transition period from hibernation to reproduction

2020 ◽  
Vol 42 (1) ◽  
pp. 1
Author(s):  
Anna C. Doty ◽  
Leroy Gonsalves ◽  
Bradley S. Law
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Variables ◽  
National Park ◽  
Transition Period ◽  
Activity Patterns ◽  
Severe Weather ◽  
Insectivorous Bats ◽  
Seasonal Transition ◽  
Bat Activity ◽  
Wind Speeds ◽  
Julian Date

Bat activity is influenced by fluctuating environmental variables. It may also be influenced by energetic pressures related to pregnancy, lactation, and emergence following winter inactivity. We evaluated nightly changes in relative bat activity at Royal National Park in response to Julian date, ambient temperature, precipitation, wind speed and moon phase on a nightly scale for six weeks during spring, as insectivorous bats move out of hibernation or frequent, prolonged torpor, and into the maternal season. Interestingly, later Julian date (reflecting seasonal transition) was the sole variable that best predicted total nightly activity. In addition, we opportunistically assessed bat activity in response to a severe storm, considered a Category 1 cyclone, resulting in 96.4mm of rain in one night and wind speeds up to 94km h–1. Only one species of bat, Chalinolobus gouldii, was active during the storm, with activity restricted to the latter part of the evening when precipitation had reduced, indicating rapid resumption of activity following severe weather. The results of this research can be used as an indicator of emergence from winter inactivity and highlight activity patterns of bat species in relation to environmental variables to inform timing of monitoring programs, bat surveys, and targeted research.

Summer Activity Patterns of Insectivorous Bats and Their Prey in Tasmania

1988 ◽  
Vol 15 (5) ◽  
pp. 533 ◽  
Author(s):  
RJ Taylor ◽  
MG Oneill
Keyword(s):  
Activity Patterns ◽  
Middle Part ◽  
Secondary Peak ◽  
Foraging Activity ◽  
Foraging Success ◽  
Insectivorous Bats ◽  
Insect Prey ◽  
Low Levels ◽  
Insect Activity ◽  
Energy Gains

Nightly activity patterns of seven species of bats (Eptesicus vulturnus, E. regulus, E. sagittula, Nyctophilus geoffroyi, N. timoriensis, Chalinolobus morio and FalsistreNus tasmaniensis) and their volant insect prey were studied during late spring and summer at four sites in Tasmania. Activity of bats was assessed from trapping results. Bats exhibited a biomodal pattern of foraging activity being most active in the first hours after dark, declining to low levels in the middle part of the night and rising again to a secondary peak in the three hours before dawn. These patterns of activity in bats closely reflected the patterns of insect activity. The insectivorous bats thus appear to have adjusted their nightly activities to match those of their prey, thereby maximising foraging success and energy gains.

Activity Patterns, Habitat Use, and Prey Selection by Some African Insectivorous Bats

Biotropica ◽  
1977 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 73 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. B. Fenton ◽  
N. G. H. Boyle ◽  
T. M. Harrison ◽  
D. J. Oxley
Keyword(s):  
Habitat Use ◽  
Prey Selection ◽  
Activity Patterns ◽  
Insectivorous Bats

scholarly journals Trade-Off between Foraging Activity and Infestation by Nest Parasites in the Primitively Eusocial BeeHalictus scabiosae

2010 ◽  
Vol 2010 ◽  
pp. 1-13 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrea Lienhard ◽  
Lea Mirwald ◽  
Thomas Hötzl ◽  
Ilse Kranner ◽  
Gerald Kastberger
Keyword(s):  
Ambient Temperature ◽  
Time Windows ◽  
Activity Patterns ◽  
Small Time ◽  
Foraging Activity ◽  
Morning Temperature ◽  
Eastern Austria ◽  
Halictine Bees ◽  
Primitively Eusocial ◽  
Match Factor

Diurnal activities ofHalictus scabiosaebees and their nest parasites (major bee-flies, cuckoo wasps, ichneumon wasps,Sphecodesbees, and velvet ants) were investigated at a study site with 159 nests in Eastern Austria. Foraging activity correlated with ambient temperature only before midday and decreased in the afternoon. The activity of nest-infesting parasites increased during the day and correlated with ambient temperature. The match factorfmbetween the ratios of the foraging activities ofH. scabiosaeand the ratios of aspects of morning temperature was assessed on three consecutive days with different weather. The activity patterns of halictine bees and their nest parasites differed: the parasites exhibited only small time windows in which their activities were synchronised with those of their hosts. The bees exhibited an anticyclic behaviour and collected food in times of low parasite pressure and decreased foraging activity when parasite pressure increased.

scholarly journals Changes in the abundance of Melolontha hippocastani Fabr. and Melolontha melolontha (L.) (Coleoptera: Scarabeidae) in the Czech Republic in the period 2003–2009

2010 ◽  
Vol 56 (No. 9) ◽  
pp. 417-428 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Švestka
Keyword(s):  
Czech Republic ◽  
Open Space ◽  
Light Trap ◽  
Meteorological Station ◽  
Forest Plantations ◽  
The Czech Republic ◽  
Melolontha Melolontha ◽  
Forest Regions ◽  
Specific Prediction ◽  
Extent Of Damage

In the period between 2003 and 2009 we evaluated the abundance of adults of Melolontha hippocastani Fabr. and Melolontha melolontha (L.) cockchafers in four forest regions of the Czech Republic. During this period each of the evaluated localities was hit twice by heavy swarming. The course of swarming, species composition, abundance of the respective tribe, sex ratio during swarming and the correlation between the course of swarming and average daily temperature were monitored by means of a light trap, an automatic meteorological station and observations in the open space; the data were represented in the form of graphs. We evaluated how the trend of the abundance of the particular species developed in the respective localities in order to work out a more specific prediction of the occurrence of the cockchafer in subsequent years and the extent of damage caused by the grubs to forest plantations. Research will continue in 2010–2011.

Influence of weather on two insectivorous bats in a temperate Pacific Northwest rainforest

2009 ◽  
Vol 87 (2) ◽  
pp. 132-138 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. W. Burles ◽  
R. M. Brigham ◽  
R. A. Ring ◽  
T. E. Reimchen
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Success ◽  
Pacific Northwest ◽  
Weather Conditions ◽  
Negative Influence ◽  
Myotis Lucifugus ◽  
Insectivorous Bats ◽  
Ambient Temperatures ◽  
The Pacific ◽  
Adverse Weather ◽  
Insect Activity

Adverse weather conditions frequently have a significant negative influence on survival and reproductive success of insectivorous bats. Low ambient temperatures increase the energetic costs of maintaining euthermia and reduces insect activity, while precipitation likely adds “clutter” making prey more difficult to detect using echolocation. We studied two species of insectivorous bats, Myotis lucifugus (LeConte, 1831) and Myotis keenii (Merriam, 1895), in the Pacific Northwest of Canada, a region that experiences frequent cool, wet weather during spring and summer. Our study took place during the El Niño – La Niña cycle of 1998–1999, which resulted in contrasting years. The summer of 1998 was unusually warm and dry, while the summer of 1999 was unusually cool and wet. We predicted that both species would be adversely affected by the cool, wet conditions of 1999, resulting in prolonged gestation, late fledging of young, and lower reproductive success. However, this was not the case. Myotis lucifugus did experience delays in reproductive timing and lower reproductive success in 1999, as predicted, whereas M. keenii experienced much shorter gestations, earlier fledgings, and no difference in reproductive success between years. We hypothesize that the ability of M. keenii to glean prey enables it to better cope with cool, wet conditions.

Preliminary observations on factors affecting foraging activity in the limpet Patella vulgata

1990 ◽  
Vol 70 (1) ◽  
pp. 181-195 ◽  
Author(s):  
Colin Little ◽  
David Morritt ◽  
David M. Paterson ◽  
Penny Stirling ◽  
Gray A. Williams
Keyword(s):  
Relative Humidity ◽  
Heavy Rainfall ◽  
Feeding Activity ◽  
Activity Patterns ◽  
High Water ◽  
Irish Sea ◽  
Foraging Activity ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Calm Water ◽  
Lough Hyne

Activity patterns of limpets were studied at two adjacent sites in an Irish sea lough, Lough Hyne, in order to relate timing of activity to physical and biological influences. Activity was suppressed during heavy rainfall, and osmotic stress from dilution appears to have led to increased mortality in transplanted limpets. Activity increased as tides progressed from neaps to springs, and for limpets low on the shore it was enhanced by wave action. It is suggested that lack of activity in calm water may reduce predation pressure from crabs, which caused high mortality in transplanted limpets. Either low relative humidity or dryness of the rock diminished activity of low-water limpets. Differences in feeding activity between low-water limpets and high-water limpets may relate to food supply, since more food was available low on the shore, and the guts of low-water limpets contained more diatoms than those of high-water individuals. Differences between the two sites are at present unexplained but may relate to differences in micro habitats.

Seasonal Activity Patterns of Two Species of Nyctophilus Bats Based on Mist-Net Captures.

1998 ◽  
Vol 20 (3) ◽  
pp. 349
Author(s):  
R.M. Brigham ◽  
F. Geiser
Keyword(s):  
Activity Patterns ◽  
Activity Cycle ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Seasonal Activity ◽  
Daily Torpor ◽  
Bat Activity ◽  
Annual Activity ◽  
A Site ◽  
Mist Net

We evaluated the annual activity cycle of Nytophilus gouldi and N. geoffroyi using 82 nights of mist-netting data from a site near Armidale in northern NSW. Our purpose was to assess whether these bats hibernated or used short bouts of daily torpor combined with foraging on at least some nights. During the cold months of the year (May - August) bat activity levels inferred from net captures was very low providing support for the hypothesis that these bats use daily torpor and at least sometimes actively forage as opposed to entering hibernation.

Are vegetation interfaces important to foraging insectivorous bats in endangered coastal saltmarsh on the Central Coast of New South Wales?

2012 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 282 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leroy Gonsalves ◽  
Bradley Law ◽  
Cameron Webb ◽  
Vaughan Monamy
Keyword(s):  
New South ◽  
Individual Species ◽  
Microhabitat Use ◽  
Central Coast ◽  
Insectivorous Bats ◽  
Insect Abundance ◽  
Bat Activity ◽  
Management Actions ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Linear Elements

Conservation of insectivorous bats and their habitats is of increasing concern in Australia and linear elements in the landscape form important foraging habitats for many species. Only recently has use of endangered coastal saltmarsh habitat by bats been documented. Vegetation adjoining saltmarsh provides echolocating bats with linear elements that may be used while foraging and commuting to patches of high insect abundance. We used acoustic detectors to investigate whether individual species and total bat activity along seaward and landward saltmarsh edges was different to the interior of the saltmarsh. Four taxa accounted for greater than 80 % of all bat activity in each zone with similar taxa recorded in both edge and interior zones. However, significantly more bat activity was recorded in edge zones. While differences in microhabitat use by individual species were also found, bat morphology did not account for the observed differences. Conservation managers of saltmarsh and adjoining habitats should consider potential impacts of management actions on foraging bats and their prey. Retention of strips of edge vegetation may help to balance the conservation requirements of endangered coastal saltmarsh habitats and the foraging insectivorous bat populations they sustain.

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