Home range and habitat selection of an endangered Vespertilionid bat, Plecotus townsendii virginianus, in Daniel Boone National Forest, Kentucky

M. D. Adam, M. J. Lacki

Research output: Contribution to specialist publicationArticle

Abstract

Radiotelemetry was used to determine summer home range size and habitat selection of the endangered Virginia big-eared bat, Plecotus townsendii virginianus, Daniel Boone National Forest, Kentucky. Bearings were obtained using both permanent and mobile tracking stations, synchronized by hand-held radios. Signals were surveyed at 20-minute intervals to maintain independence among individual fixes. Sixty Virginia big-eared bats, 30 males and 30 females, were fitted with transmitters, with animals divided equally among three sampling periods coinciding with various stages of the female reproductive cycle: pregnancy, lactation, and volant young. Males were tracked during 1990 and females in 1991. Home range estimates were calculated using the minimum convex polygon method, with ≥20 fixes required per individual to calculate a home range size. Habitat selection was tested using the method of Neu et al. (1974; J. Wildl. Manage. 38:541-545), with cover type availability calculated from topographic maps and aerial photographs. An error polygon of 0.94 ha was estimated with the equipment used for the study area, and was used as the grid cell size for assigning blocks of available habitat to cover types. Mean home range size for females (121.9 ha) was larger than for males (87.4 ha), but the difference was not significant (P = 0.49). Female home range size expanded as the reproductive cycle progressed, being significantly larger after young became volant than the previous two periods (P < 0.05). Habitat analyses demonstrated a strong preference for cliff-line habitat for both males and females, while remaining habitat types (clearings, corridors, and enclosed forest) were avoided. Protection of the cliff-lines and their adjacent habitats is essential for the long-term survival of Virginia big-eared bats in the Daniel Boone National Forest.

Original languageEnglish
Pages3-4
Number of pages2
No781 I
Specialist publicationNCASI Technical Bulletin
StatePublished - 1999

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Media Technology
  • General Environmental Science
  • Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering

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