Distribution, Ecology and Habitat Selection by Bechstein`s Bat (Myotis bechsteinii) in Luxembourg

1. Auflage 2011
ISBN: 978-3-933066-45-9
Verlag: Laurenti

Buch, Englisch, Band 6, 88 Seiten, PB, Format (B × H): 170 mm x 240 mm

Reihe: Ökologie der Säugetiere

Bechstein’s bat, Myotis bechsteinii is a European tree-dwelling bat species, which is considered an index species for old growth broad-leaved woodland in Central and Western Europe. However, factors affecting repartition, density and habitat selection are still poorly understood.
Therefore 22 representative woodland areas in Luxembourg, a country located in the central geographic range of Myotis bechsteinii, were investigated concerning Bechstein’s bat´s abundance and habitat selection – including roosting and forag-ing behaviour. With the help of mist-netting and radio-tracking for the first time reproduction areas and nursery colonies were localised. The distribution of Bechstein’s bat was revealed to be uneven and was significantly positively corre-lated to ambient factors and the forest types. Nursery colonies use a day-roost complex of up to 50 trees and show a significant preference for woodpecker holes in oak trees. Bechstein’s bats foraged in small core feeding areas, all of which show no or negligible overlap with each other.
Roosting ecology factors such as roost choice versus roost availability, roost switching behaviour, microclimate of roosting sites and basal metabolic rate could be analysed on a free living population under natural conditions. Roosting and feeding sites are here characterised by canopy and understorey structures similar to native woodlands. The results of this study lead to a scientific data base for conservation and long-term monitoring of this bat species. These results should also lead to a positive outcome on sustainable forest management practice for the future conservation of this endangered bat species.

Zielgruppe

Naturschutz, Behörden. Planungsbüros, Säugetierkundler

Autoren/Hrsg.

Dietz, Markus

Pir, Jacques B.

Inhaltsverzeichnis

Abstract
Résumé
Zusammenfassung
1 Introduction
2 Bechstein’s bat
3 Luxembourg – the study area
3.1. Climate and land cover
3.2 Distribution of study areas
3.3 Study area of Friemholz
4 Methods
4.1 Mist netting
4.2 Radio-tracking
4.3 Determination of day roosts, roost characteristics and roosting group sizes
4.4 Determination of roost supply
4.5 Measuring thermal behaviour of the bats
4.6 Habitat analysis
4.7 Definitions and statistical anlysis
5 Myotis bechsteinii in Luxembourg
5.1 Distribution
5.2 Roosting group size
5.3 Occurrence of sympatric bat species
5.4 Distribution and forest preference
5.5 Distribution and height
5.6 Distribution and climate
6 Roosting ecology
6.1 Roost choice of females and males
6.2 Roost choice versus roost availability
6.3 Tree hole characteristics
6.4 Environment of the day roosts
6.5 Microclimate of used roost trees
6.6 Skin temperature and torpor use of tree roosting Myotis bechsteinii
6.7 Estimating basal metabolic rate in roosts
6.8 Roost switching behaviour
6.9 Day roost complex of nursery colonies
6.10 Competing cavity nesting species
7 Foraging ecology
7.1 Time of emergence and return to day roosts
7.2 Nightly activity patterns
7.3 Influence on climate to flight activity
7.4 Feeding grounds and core foraging areas
7.5 Distances between day roosts and core foraging areas
8 Conclusion and conservation
8.1 Science-based nature conservation-strategies
8.2 Habitat use of Bechstein’s bats – results of this study
8.3 Bechstein’s bats as leading target species for old growth broad-leaved woodland
8.4 Conservation guidelines to forest management practice
9 Aknowledgments
10 References