Ecology, conservation, and management of bats in southeastern Idaho

Publication Type:

Report

Authors:

Whiting, Jericho C.; Doering, Bill; Lowe, Joe; Englestead, Devin; Frye, Justin; Earl, Scott; Earl, April; Bybee, Bryan

Source:

p.18 (2015)

Call Number:

U15WHI01IDUS

Keywords:

Big Brown Bat, Corynorhinus townsendii, Fringed Myotis, Hoary Bat, Little Brown Myotis, Long-eared Myotis, Long-legged Myotis, Myotis ciliolabrum, Silver-haired Bat, Townsend's Big-Eared Bat, Western Small-footed Myotis

Abstract:

Bats have important roles in ecosystem functions and services, and these mammals are being impacted by many threats. Current baseline data are needed for seasonal use of bats in southeastern Idaho to conserve and manage populations of these mammals. We compiled data from 27 years of surveys in and around the Sand Creek Desert and the Big Desert of southeastern Idaho to document the following: 1) hibernacula used by bats, 2) caves potentially used by bats for day or night roosts, as well as by maternity colonies, 3) monthly activity patterns of bats detected acoustically at the three largest hibernacula, and 4) bat species that were captured using harp traps and mist nets in our study areas. During 87 surveys from 1988 to 2015, researchers counted 20,921 Townsend's big-eared bats (Corynorhinus townsendii townsendii) in 17 caves and 698 western small-footed myotis (Myotis ciliolabrum) in 12 caves. From 1992 to 2004, researchers surveyed and mapped 163 caves. Fifty-seven of those caves contained signs of roosting sites (i.e., bats or moth wings observed). Two caves were documented to be used by maternity colonies, and seven caves may be used by maternity colonies. From April 2013 to October 2014, AnaBat Detectors functioned for 927 nights (divided among three caves) during the non-hibernation season (April to October). During those nights, we recorded 290,647 call files of bats. Bat activity at all caves peaked from July to September. From 2004 to 2013, researchers trapped 219 bats representing 11 species. The species captured most was the little brown myotis. Among bats trapped along the South Fork of the Snake River, 28 were females. Of those females, seven were pregnant and 10 were lactating. Our data highlight the Sand Creek Desert and the Big Desert as important seasonal areas for bats in Idaho and the western USA. Also, this information provides essential, historic baseline understanding of bats in southeastern Idaho prior to the potential arrival of major threats to these mammals in this area.