Landing manoeuvres predict roost-site preferences in bats

Area of Science:

• Behavioral Ecology
• Zoology
• Biomechanics

Background:

• Roost selection is crucial for species survival, influenced by factors like roost type and landing requirements.
• Bats utilize diverse roosts (caves, leaves), necessitating specific adaptations and landing strategies.
• Optimal roost selection can improve landing performance and reduce predation risk.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate if Spix's disc-winged bats (Thyroptera tricolor) select roost sites based on landing surface characteristics.
• To determine if specific roost features, like leaf apex length, enhance landing performance in T. tricolor.
• To understand the influence of landing mechanics on roost selection in bats.

Main Methods:

• Field observations of roosting preferences in T. tricolor, focusing on leaf types Heliconia imbricata and Calathea lutea.
• Comparative analysis of leaf apex lengths between preferred and non-preferred roosting plants.
• Flight cage experiments to assess bat approach and landing tactics on leaves with varying apex lengths.

Main Results:

• T. tricolor predominantly roosted in H. imbricata and Calathea lutea, showing a clear preference for H. imbricata.
• The primary difference between plant species was the leaf apex length, with H. imbricata having longer apexes.
• Bats exhibited more consistent landing tactics when approaching leaves with longer apexes in flight cage experiments.

Conclusions:

• Landing mechanics significantly influence roost selection in Spix's disc-winged bats.
• The preference for longer leaf apexes suggests an adaptation for improved landing performance and settlement.
• Roost site selection in bats can be strongly driven by the physical demands of landing and resource acquisition.