Connectivity, relatedness and winter roost ecology of Townsend's big-eared bat (Corynorhinus townsendii) [master's thesis]

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Townsend’s big-eared bat (Corynorhinus townsendii) is a species of conservation need. I examined three aspects of this species’ ecology: population genetic structure, roost relatedness, and hibernacula characteristics. A strong understanding of movement patterns, behavioral ecology, and habitat requirements are necessary for sound conservation management. I identified two mitochondrial lineages and found that C. townsendii is genetically differentiated, but the differentiation is not based upon geographic distance. The subdivision is more likely a result of historic colonization processes. I found that most individuals within hibernacula and maternity colonies are unrelated, which may indicate a fission-fusion social pattern. Finally, I identified that the combination of a longer cave with a constriction and higher minimum relative humidity, characterize C. townsendii hibernacula in southeast Idaho. Our results provide resource managers with critical information about population connectivity, behavioral activity, and habitat requirements. These data will enable more effective conservation efforts for Townsend’s big-eared bats.

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ELECTRONIC FILE - Zoology: Mammals

CSE-style citation: Miller KEG. 2007. Connectivity, relatedness and winter roost ecology of Townsend's big-eared bat (Corynorhinus townsendii) [master's thesis]. Pocatello (ID): Idaho State University. 77 p.