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Roost selection by female Hemprich's long-eared bats.
Carmi Korine1, Shai Daniel, Berry Pinshow
1Mitrani Department of Desert Ecology, Jacob Blaustein Institutes for Desert Research, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, 84990 Midreshet Ben-Gurion, Israel.
Behavioural Processes
|September 12, 2013
Summary
Desert bats, Otonycteris hemprichii, select roosts based on daily temperature stability rather than specific pregnancy or lactation needs. They prefer roosts with smaller temperature fluctuations, indicating a strategy for consistent thermal conditions.
Area of Science:
- Zoology
- Ecology
- Animal Behavior
Background:
- Bat roost selection is crucial for survival and reproduction.
- Lactating bats have higher energy demands than pregnant bats.
- Desert bats may alter roosting behavior during reproduction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate roost selection by pregnant and lactating Hemprich's long-eared bats (Otonycteris hemprichii).
- To determine if roost characteristics change based on reproductive status.
- To compare selected roosts with available potential roosts.
Main Methods:
- Radio-tagging of pregnant and lactating female O. hemprichii.
- Characterization of 38 roosts (dimensions, orientation, temperature, proximity to foraging sites).
- Comparison of used roosts with randomly selected potential roosts.
Main Results:
- O. hemprichii predominantly used cracks, often facing the morning sun.
- Pregnant bats used horizontal cracks; lactating bats used vertical cracks.
- Selected roosts exhibited smaller daily temperature fluctuations than potential roosts.
Conclusions:
- O. hemprichii prioritizes roosts with stable daily temperatures over specific thermal conditions for pregnancy or lactation.
- Roost selection in this desert species is influenced by factors beyond immediate reproductive needs.
- Consistent roost reuse suggests long-term site fidelity and predictable environmental benefits.
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