Bats increased foraging activity at experimental prey patches near hibernacula.

Published online
16 May 2023
Content type
Journal article
Journal title
Ecological Solutions and Evidence
DOI
10.1002/2688-8319.12217

Author(s)
Frick, W. F. & Dzal, Y. A. & Jonasson, K. A. & Whitby, M. D. & Adams, A. M. & Long, C. & Depue, J. E. & Newman, C. M. & Willis, C. K. R. & Cheng, T. L.
Contact email(s)
wfrick@batcon.org

Publication language
English
Location
North America

Abstract

1. Emerging infectious diseases in wildlife can threaten vulnerable host populations. Actions targeting habitat improvements to aid population resilience and recovery may be beneficial long-term strategies, yet testing the efficacy of such strategies before major conservation investments are made can be challenging. 2. The disease white-nose syndrome (WNS) has caused severe declines in several species of North American hibernating bats. We tested a novel conservation approach targeted at improving foraging conditions near bat hibernacula by experimentally manipulating insect density in the pre-hibernation fattening period and spring emergence recovery period. We measured foraging (feeding buzzes) and echolocation activity of little brown bats Myotis lucifugus at ultraviolet (UV) light lures to determine behavioural response to augmented foraging conditions and characterized insect availability at UV light lures. 3. In the fall, bat foraging activity was three times greater (95% CI: 1.5-5.8; p = 0.002) when UV lights were on, but there was no statistical support for differences in echolocation activity response when our experimental design alternated between nights with lights on and off. In the spring, we allowed UV light lures to run consistently each night and compared with a control location in similar habitat. Bat foraging activity was 8.5 times greater (95% CI: 4.5-16.0; p < 0.0001) and echolocation activity was 4.4 times higher (95% CI: 3.0-6.5; p < 0.0001) at UV light lures in the spring experiment. In both the fall and spring, UV light lures resulted in concentrated insect availability, attracting primarily moths (Order: Lepidoptera). In both seasons, nightly temperature had a strong influence on bat foraging, echolocation and insect activity.

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