JOURNAL OF BAT RESEARCH & CONSERVATION 19

Luan G. A. Goebel, Gabriela Rodrigues Longo, Patrício A. Rocha, Marcela Alvares Oliveira, Ana Rúbia S. Rossi, Ana Cristina Mendes-Oliveira, Guilherme S. T. Garbino

Abstract: Bats of the family Phyllostomidae are known to use leaves and cavities, such as holes in tree trunks and caves for roosting. However, roosting preferences of bats in the Amazon are still poorly understood. Here, we describe the roosting types used by Mesophylla macconnelli, Micronycteris sp., Lophostoma silvicola, and Phyllostomus hastatus inserted in the arc of deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon. The species Micronycteris sp. was documented roosting in cavities of a standing tree, L. silvicola was cohabiting a termite nest with P. hastatus, and M. macconnelli used a roost made of leaves. Our study reports an important cohabitation between L. silvicola and P. hastatus. Furthermore, to our knowledge, we revealed the first record of the inverted boat architecture with modified leaves of Heliconia sp. used by M. macconnelli. These findings expand the ecological information on bats for the southern Amazon and provide insights into roosting availability in a severely fragmented region.

Nick C Downs, Ted Crilley, Ellen L Hopkins, Colin T Menendez, Kailey O’Brien, Paola Reason, Samantha Walters, Gemma Waters, Carol Williams, Roger D Ransome

Abstract: Lesser horseshoe bat (Rhinolophus hipposideros) roost access points with large dimensions (cross-section area of 0.25 m2 or more) are frequently used to facilitate pre-emergence flight behaviour. However, when these access points are the only barrier between the external environment and the internal roost, they may also let in light, wind, rain, and other animals. These variables may result in altered roost microclimate and/or predation causing population declines. If extreme, they may cause roost abandonment or eviction by other bats, pigeons (Columba livia domestica), jackdaws (Coloeus monedula) or owls. We studied the effect of additional physical measures between the external entrance and the roosting area (either an internal barrier or an entrance tunnel) on seven lesser horseshoe bat colonies. Lesser horseshoe populations subsequently increased as a result of successfully excluding either pigeons, jackdaws or greater horseshoe bats (Rhinolophus ferrumequinum). Different designs were used depending on the physical characteristics of each roost, and the problem species present. The materials and dimensions associated with each design are provided, so that they can be replicated elsewhere.

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