Population dynamics of Mexican free-tailed bats at Lava Beds

Publication Type:

Journal Article

Authors:

Source:

Park Science, U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service, Natural Resource Stewardship and Science, Office of Education and Outreach, Volume 23, Issue 2, p.52-53 (2005)

Call Number:

A05FUH02IDUS

URL:

http://www.nature.nps.gov/parkscience/index.cfm?ArticleID=115

Keywords:

caves, Lava Beds National Monument, Mexican free-tailed bats, monitoring, population studies, protocol, Tadarida brasiliensis mexicana

Abstract:

In addition to its population of Townsend’s big-eared bats, Lava Beds National Monument is home to Mexican free-tailed bats (Tadarida brasiliensis mexicana). Adult females of this species arrive at the monument in mid- to late June. The colony probably migrates between Lava Beds and central and southern California. The pups are born within three weeks of arrival of the adults and continue to develop for six to eight weeks after birth. They become volant (i.e., they begin flying) during this time and develop the skills necessary to forage for food with adult bats.