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Gareth Jones - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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managing conflict between bats and humans the response of soprano pipistrelles Pipistrellus pygmaeus to exclusion from roosts in houses
PLOS ONE, 2015Co-Authors: Emma Louise Stone, Stephen Harris, Matt R K Zeale, Stuart E Newson, William J Browne, Gareth JonesAbstract:Conflict can arise when bats roost in human dwellings and householders are affected adversely by their presence. In the United Kingdom, the exclusion of bats from roosts can be licensed under exceptional circumstances to alleviate conflict, but the fate of excluded bats and the impact on their survival and reproduction is not well understood. Using radio-tracking, we investigated the effects of exclusion on the soprano pipistrelle Pipistrellus pygmaeus, a species that commonly roosts in buildings in Europe. Exclusions were performed under licence at five roosts in England in spring, when females were in the early stages of pregnancy. Following exclusion, all bats found alternative roosts and colonies congregated in nearby known roosts that had been used by radio-tagged bats prior to exclusion. We found no difference in roosting behaviour before and after exclusion. Both the frequency of roost switching and the type of roosts used by bats remained unchanged. We also found no change in foraging behaviour. Bats foraged in the same areas, travelled similar distances to reach foraging areas and showed similar patterns of habitat selection before and after exclusion. Population modelling suggested that any reduction in survival following exclusion could have a negative impact on population growth, whereas a reduction in productivity would have less effect. While the number of soprano pipistrelle exclusions currently licensed each year is likely to have little effect on local populations, the cumulative impacts of licensing the destruction of large numbers of roosts may be of concern.
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The impact of riparian habitat quality on the foraging and activity of pipistrelle bats (Pipistrellus spp.)
Journal of Zoology, 2010Co-Authors: Stephen Scott, Gareth Jones, G Mclaren, Stephen HarrisAbstract:A naturally functioning riparian zone is essential for the ecological health of a river, filtering pollutants, supplying organic matter and providing a structural habitat for wildlife. Most lowland rivers would also naturally flood the riparian zone at regular intervals, thereby providing direct inputs of nutrients and water that create additional habitats and breeding opportunities for riverine species. We examined the relationship between the quality of the riparian habitat and foraging and activity of bats (Chiroptera), which are good indicators of ecosystem health. Twenty paired sites in the Rivers Lee and Colne catchments in England were selected to test the hypothesis that degradation in the quality of riparian habitat reduces foraging and activity in bats; paired sites were similar in terms of size, flow rate and water chemistry but differed in the quality of their riparian zones. AnaBat detectors were used to measure bat activity from 30 min before dusk to 30 min after sunrise on the same night at paired sites because recording frequency-divided bat echolocation calls in real time allows large amounts of data to be collected over long time periods in a digitized format. Significantly more feeding buzzes were recorded in sites with better quality riparian zones; no differences in overall bat activity were found between the two habitat types. Pipistrellus Pipistrellus and Pipistrellus pygmaeus accounted for 96% of bat passes. Pipistrellus pygmaeus was significantly more active in high quality sites than P. Pipistrellus; there was no difference between the two species in poor quality sites. We show that the quality of riparian buffer zones is important for the activity and feeding behaviour of pipistrelle bats.
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skull morphology of two cryptic bat species Pipistrellus Pipistrellus and p pygmaeus a 3d geometric morphometrics approach with landmark reconstruction
Acta Chiropterologica, 2009Co-Authors: Anna Sztenceljablonka, Gareth Jones, Wiesław BogdanowiczAbstract:Differences in skull morphology between two cryptic species of bat, Pipistrellus Pipistrellus (n = 14) and P. pygmaeus (n = 15), originating from Great Britain, were investigated. Four different data sets were analysed: (1) 23 landmarks and (2) 26 landmarks on the dorsal and ventral sides of the cranium, respectively, (3) 49 landmarks on the upper jaw, and (4) 34 landmarks on the labial side of the mandible. For almost all data sets, when compared within sex groups, P. Pipistrellus were significantly larger than P. pygmaeus; the biggest difference being observed in the mandible size. Interspecific differences in shape, analysed by Principal Component Analysis and Discriminant Function Analysis (DFA) of the Procrustes superimposed landmarks, were also mostly visible in the mandible, and were related to dietary differences between the species. For example, the longer and more upright canines of P. Pipistrellus allow them to pierce harder prey, the bigger molars ease its processing, and the shortened body of the mandible and the more developed coronoid process presumably generate a stronger bite. The shape and size of the mandible proved to be a good characteristic for distinguishing both cryptic taxa. A procedure for estimating missing landmarks for 3D geometric morphometric purposes was created. Our procedure of finding the missing landmarks had no effect on the within-group loss of variation. DFA of data sets with reconstructed versus orginal (but reduced) landmarks yielded similar results (three versus two misclassified specimens in leave-one-out cross-validation).
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Skull Morphology of Two Cryptic Bat Species: Pipistrellus Pipistrellus and P. pygmaeus — A 3D Geometric Morphometrics Approach with Landmark Reconstruction
Acta Chiropterologica, 2009Co-Authors: Anna Sztencel-jabłonka, Gareth Jones, Wiesław BogdanowiczAbstract:Differences in skull morphology between two cryptic species of bat, Pipistrellus Pipistrellus (n = 14) and P. pygmaeus (n = 15), originating from Great Britain, were investigated. Four different data sets were analysed: (1) 23 landmarks and (2) 26 landmarks on the dorsal and ventral sides of the cranium, respectively, (3) 49 landmarks on the upper jaw, and (4) 34 landmarks on the labial side of the mandible. For almost all data sets, when compared within sex groups, P. Pipistrellus were significantly larger than P. pygmaeus; the biggest difference being observed in the mandible size. Interspecific differences in shape, analysed by Principal Component Analysis and Discriminant Function Analysis (DFA) of the Procrustes superimposed landmarks, were also mostly visible in the mandible, and were related to dietary differences between the species. For example, the longer and more upright canines of P. Pipistrellus allow them to pierce harder prey, the bigger molars ease its processing, and the shortened body of the mandible and the more developed coronoid process presumably generate a stronger bite. The shape and size of the mandible proved to be a good characteristic for distinguishing both cryptic taxa. A procedure for estimating missing landmarks for 3D geometric morphometric purposes was created. Our procedure of finding the missing landmarks had no effect on the within-group loss of variation. DFA of data sets with reconstructed versus orginal (but reduced) landmarks yielded similar results (three versus two misclassified specimens in leave-one-out cross-validation).
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Differential habitat selection by Pipistrellus Pipistrellus and Pipistrellus pygmaeus identifies distinct conservation needs for cryptic species of echolocating bats
Biological Conservation, 2006Co-Authors: Ian Davidson-watts, Sean Walls, Gareth JonesAbstract:Abstract Cryptic species are similar in morphology, and make interesting subjects for relating morphological differentiation to ecological resource partitioning. Can species that are morphologically almost identical occupy different ecological niches, and hence potentially need distinct conservation planning? The discovery that the most widespread bat in Europe – the pipistrelle – comprised two cryptic species ( Pipistrellus Pipistrellus and Pipistrellus pygmaeus ) that emit echolocation calls at different frequencies provides a remarkable model system for investigating links between morphology, echolocation call design and resource partitioning. We investigated resource partitioning between the two cryptic species of sympatric pipistrelle bats by radio tracking breeding females. Habitat selection was investigated by using compositional analysis. P. pygmaeus selected riparian habitats over all other habitat types in its core foraging areas, whereas P. Pipistrellus , although preferring deciduous woodland overall, was more of a generalist, spreading its foraging time in a wider range of habitats. Although morphologically very similar, the cryptic species show quite different patterns of habitat use. Our findings suggest that large-scale differences in habitat preferences can occur between sympatric bat species that are virtually identical in flight morphology; hence morphological differences may be a weak indication of ecological differences between taxa. Conservation planning needs to take account of these differences to meet policy and legal obligations associated with these protected cryptic species.
Paul A Racey - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Habitat Preferences of Soprano Pipistrelle Pipistrellus pygmaeus (Leach, 1825) and Common Pipistrelle Pipistrellus Pipistrellus (Schreber, 1774) in Two Different Woodlands in North East Scotland.
Zoological studies, 2016Co-Authors: Alek Rachwald, Tim Bradford, Zbigniew Borowski, Paul A RaceyAbstract:Alek Rachwald, Tim Bradford, Zbigniew Borowski, and Paul A. Racey (2016) The habitat preferences of the soprano pipistrelle Pipistrellus pygmaeus and the common pipistrelle Pipistrellus Pipistrellus living in sympatry, were investigated in north east Scotland, using bat detector transects. Bat flight, foraging and social activity in natural birch woodland was compared with that in managed non-native coniferous woodland. Each area consists of riparian habitat, meadow-forest ecotone and dense forest. The activity of bats was highest in riparian habitat, then meadow, and lowest in dense woodland. P. pygmaeus was more abundant than P. Pipistrellus in both areas, although in managed coniferous woodland only narrowly so (43.7% of all recorded bat flights, compared to 40.0% for common pipistrelle). In natural birch woodland, meadow habitat was most preferred by P. Pipistrellus, and there was no significant difference between the use of riparian and woodland habitats, whereas in coniferous woodland, riparian habitat was most preferred. P. pygmaeus in both sites preferred riparian habitat, then meadow and forest least of all. The foraging activity of soprano pipistrelles was higher in birch than in coniferous woodland, whereas for the common pipistrelle, it was more evenly distributed. In both sites the lowest number of feeding buzzes was recorded in dense forest. In both study areas social calls were recorded, but many more for P. pygmaeus than for P. Pipistrellus, especially in birch woodland. Soprano pipistrelle is a specialist species, focused mostly on riparian habitat, whereas common pipistrelle shows more generalistic behaviour. High number of social calls recorded near the waterbodies could suggest, that such habitat partitioning could be caused also by competitive behaviour.
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selection of timber mortises in a church roof by Pipistrellus sp at 52 n
Acta Chiropterologica, 2009Co-Authors: Pete Smith, Paul A RaceyAbstract:Pipistrelles (Pipistrellus Pipistrellus and P. pygmaeus) are among the commonest and most synanthropic bats in the UK and form maternity colonies during summer in domestic dwelling houses and churches (Jones and Racey, 2008). During winter, houses are often too warm for use as hibernacula, and most pipistrelles are found in churches, particularly unheated mediaeval country churches (Racey, 1973; Jones and Racey, 2008). Here they are found in small groups, often in mortise joints between wooden beams, which, because they were handmade and because timbers have shrunk as they dried out after the roof was constructed, seldom fit tightly and thus contain crevices. This contrasts with the situation in Central Europe where large aggregations of pipistrelles may be found during winter in caves and tunnels (Nagy and Szanto, 2003; Taake and Vier haus, 2004). The aim of the present study was to determine whether bats selected such roosts in mortise joints at random.
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Habitat selection as a mechanism of resource partitioning in two cryptic bat species Pipistrellus Pipistrellus and Pipistrellus pygmaeus
Ecography, 2006Co-Authors: Barry Nicholls, Paul A RaceyAbstract:Ecomorphological studies of bat communities often reveal the spatial and temporal coexistence of morphologically similar species, leading to suggestions that these communities are structured by non-deterministic processes. However, the diversification of echolocation call structure in bats allows for considerable morphological similarity while still permitting niche differentiation based on specialisation for prey type and habitat structure. The recent separation of a common Palaearctic bat, the pipistrelle, into Pipistrellus Pipistrellus and P. pygmaeus, which are sympatrically distributed throughout their range, raises the question as to whether these two morphologically similar species partition resources in time and space. To test the hypothesis that the coexistence of these cryptic species is facilitated by differential habitat use, 14 P. Pipistrellus, and 12 P. pygmaeus were radio-tracked from adjacent maternity roosts, in northeast Scotland, from May to September 2002/2003. The two species showed distinct habitat partitioning with P. pygmaeus foraging predominantly in riparian woodland and over water, and P. Pipistrellus foraging along woodland edges and short isolated tree lines. Inter-specific overlap in habitat use was low and consequently foraging ranges were segregated spatially. The degree of habitat partitioning revealed in these species, which show considerable overlap in echolocation call parameters and functional morphology, suggests that morphological features, whilst useful in separating chiropteran species into coarse-grained foraging guilds, may not predict fine-grained ecological segregation.
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responses of soprano pipistrelles Pipistrellus pygmaeus to their experimentally modified distress calls
Animal Behaviour, 2005Co-Authors: J. M. Russ, Gareth Jones, Paul A RaceyAbstract:To identify the key acoustic characteristics of distress calls that elicit behavioural responses in the soprano pipistrelle bat, Pipistrellus pygmaeus, we performed a series of playback experiments involving modifications to frequency and temporal parameters of a synthesized ‘base’ call resembling a typical natural distress call of this species. We Played experimentally modified distress call sequences and control sequences consisting of random noise and silence at foraging sites. To measure the bats’ response, in terms of variation in the number of echolocation pulses, we simultaneously recorded ultrasound during playbacks and counted the echolocation pulses. Significantly more echolocation pulses were recorded during playback of the base call than during playback of control sounds and responses to modified base calls indicated that the interelement interval, element duration and consecutive element frequency may be important for distress call recognition. Changes to the interelement interval, consecutive element frequency and bandwidth may convey information about the affective state of the sender.
Danilo Russo - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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the fancy city life kuhl s pipistrelle Pipistrellus kuhlii benefits from urbanisation
Wildlife Research, 2015Co-Authors: Leonardo Ancillotto, Danilo Russo, Alessandra TomassiniAbstract:Abstract Context. Urbanisation is often regarded as a major threat to global biodiversity. Although wildlife is frequently affected by urbanisation, some species may actually benefit from it. Bats are among the commonest wild mammals in human-modified areas, and some species seem particularly well suited to exploit urban habitats where they find roosting and foraging opportunities. Aims. We investigated habitat selection around roosts of synurbic Kuhl’s pipistrelles, Pipistrellus kuhlii, in Italy. Methods. We measured the effects of the amount of urban habitat on bat reproductive timing and success in human-modified environments. Key results. We found that P. kuhlii selects roosts surrounded by areas featuring urban habitats, especially those subject to urban development. Colonies in cities and suburbs advanced parturition time and produced more pups than those in rural areas. Permanent water sources and artificial lights in the surrounding habitats also seemed to favour the species reproductive success, ...
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the distinctive structure of social calls by hanak s dwarf bat Pipistrellus hanaki
Acta Chiropterologica, 2012Co-Authors: Panagiotis Georgiakakis, Danilo RussoAbstract:The analysis of social calls emitted by bats in the Pipistrellus genus has played an important role in assessing cryptic diversity and in investigating reproductive strategies and foraging ecology of these vespertilionids. Our study deals with social call structure of a recently discovered species, Pipistrellus hanaki. Because it shares a common ancestor with P. pygmaeus, we hypothesized that as in the other species from this group social call structure in P. hanaki retains the basic design observed in other bats from the same genus. We also hypothesized that as in other pipistrelles such calls fulfill context-dependent functions, being used by both foraging and mating bats for different purposes. However, we found that these calls have a structure rather different from that seen in most pipistrelles. Two different types of multi-harmonic, broad-band and long-duration social calls were identified, with distinctive temporal structures. Single component, frequency modulated-quasi constant frequency (FM-QCF) calls were emitted during summer at foraging sites where feeding buzzes were regularly produced. In autumn, when feeding buzz rates decreased and males caught at recording sites had prominent testes, a second type of single or multi-component calls with a fluctuating frequency over time was more frequent. Unlike the typical multi-component social calls recorded in several Pipistrellus species, our results suggest that social calls used by foraging or mating P. hanaki have markedly different structures. Because social calls of bats are speciesspecific and may function in reproductive isolation, we hypothesize that differentiation of social calls in P. hanaki has been associated with the divergence of this species from P. pygmaeus.
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the two cryptic species of Pipistrellus Pipistrellus chiroptera vespertilionidae occur in italy evidence from echolocation and social calls
Mammalia, 2000Co-Authors: Danilo Russo, Gareth JonesAbstract:Summary. - We provide evidence based on the analysis of echolocation pulses and social calls that both cryptic species of pipistrelle P. Pipistrellus occur in Italy. We analysed the echolocation calls that 76 bats emitted when they were foraging, emerging from roost or hand-released . Recordings were carried out in Campania, Lazio, Tuscany and Sardinia. Frequencies of highest energy of calls from peninsular Italy bats clearly followed a bimodal normal distribution, and averaged 47.4 kHz and 57.3 kHz, corresponding to the 45 kHz and 55 kHz phonic types respectively. At least in Southern Italy both cryptic species occur in sympatry. Social calls emitted by foraging pipistrelles echolocating at frequencies 52 kHz respectively differed significantly in frequency and time parameters, and could be separated by a discriminant analysis. As these signals are species-specific and are distinct only between the two pipistrelle species, the differences we observed give further evidence that both cryptic species occur in the country. Resume. - L'analyse des cris d'echolocation et des cris sociaux demontre la presence en Italic des deux especes jumelles de pipistrelle « commune » P. Pipistrellus. Nous avons analyse les cris d'echolocation de 76 pipistrelles en chasse, a la sortie du gite ou lors de leur liberation apres capture. Les enregistrements ont ete effectues en Campanie, Latium, Toscane et Sardaigne. Les frequences d'energie maximale des cris d'echolocation des pipistrelles « communes » en Italie peninsulaire suivent une distribution normale bimodale avec des valeurs moyennes de 47,4 kHz et 57,3 kHz correspondant respectivement aux types phoniques 45 kHz et 55 kHz. Dans le sud de Italic, au moins, les deux especes se revelent sympatriques. Les cris sociaux des pipistrelles qui, pendant les vols de chasse, emettaient des cris d'echolocation avec des frequences 52 kHz respectivement, different de fagon significative en frequence et caracteristiques temporelles, et peuvent etre distingues par une analyse discriminante. Comme ces signaux sont specifiques, les differences observees constituent une preuve supplemental de la presence des deux especes jumelles en Italic.
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The social calls of Kuhl's pipistrelles Pipistrellus kuhlii (Kuhl, 1819): structure and variation (Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae)
Journal of Zoology, 1999Co-Authors: Danilo Russo, Gareth JonesAbstract:The aim of this study was to describe the structure of social calls produced by Kuhl's pipistrelles Pipistrellus kuhlii . Bats foraging around street lamps in the Campania region, Southern Italy, were recorded. Calls were produced by bats during chases and, similarly to those of Pipistrellus Pipistrellus , were probably used to repel conspecifics from hunting sites. Calls often had three components, lasted on average 34 ms and contained most energy at about 17 kHz. A positive correlation was found between the frequencies of maximum amplitude of echolocation and social calls. Social calls from two adjacent populations differed in their peak frequencies, and possible hypotheses for this variation are given. The structure of P. kuhlii social calls was compared with those of the 45 and 55 kHz P. Pipistrellus phonic types. Kuhl's pipistrelle calls lasted longer and showed lower values of minimum and peak frequencies. These differences can help to discriminate between field recordings of P. kuhlii and P. Pipistrellus where the two species occur sympatrically.
Raphael Arlettaz - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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ecological niche modelling of two cryptic bat species calls for a reassessment of their conservation status
Journal of Applied Ecology, 2007Co-Authors: Thomas Sattler, Fabio Bontadina, Alexandre H Hirzel, Raphael ArlettazAbstract:1. Conservation priorities are set on the basis of existing knowledge of the species concerned. Identification of cryptic species within former single taxa may significantly change the perspective on distribution and abundance which, in turn, might impact the species? conservation status. 2. In the 1990?s it was discovered that one of the most abundant bat species in Europe actually consists of two cryptic species, P. Pipistrellus and P. pygmaeus. We systematically recorded echolocation calls from both species along road transects driven across Switzerland. Subsequently, we have used presence data obtained to analyse the species? habitat selection and respective ecological niches by GIS-modelling and by discriminant analysis. 3. Habitats mostly associated with P. pygmaeus presence are wide rivers and lakes, human settlements and open woodland habitats. P. pygmaeus is patchily distributed and only occurs in its optimum habitats, i.e. in areas characterized by the simultaneous presence of all habitats mentioned above. 4. P. Pipistrellus has similar habitat preferences, but unlike P. pygmaeus, it is very tolerant with regard to deviations from its optimal habitat. The overall niche of P. Pipistrellus encompasses nearly the entire global habitat availability. In contrast, the niche of P. pygmaeus is narrow and mostly included in one end of the niche of P. Pipistrellus. 5. Due to its wide distribution and abundance P. Pipistrellus sensu lato was ranked «not endangered» in Switzerland. In this study we found P. Pipistrellus to occur in a 30-fold higher abundance than P. pygmaeus. However the rarity of P. pygmaeus and its restricted distribution significantly change the conservation status of this cryptic species. Extrapolated habitat suitability maps help to focus conservation efforts to protect important hunting areas (i.e. riparian woodlands) in regions with highest probability of occurrence. 6. Synthesis and applications. The present example points out that conservation status attributed to taxa encompassing sibling species may be misleading and needs to be changed constantly according to scientific advances. Progress in systematics will spawn more cryptic species in the near future. Ecological studies are required to assess their environmental requirements and provide the necessary baseline information for appropriate conservation.
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Competition for food by expanding pipistrelle bat populations (Pipistrellus Pipistrellus) might contribute to the decline of lesser horseshoe bats (Rhinolophus hipposideros)
Biological Conservation, 2000Co-Authors: Raphael Arlettaz, Saskia Godat, Harry MeyerAbstract:The bat species Rhinolophus hipposideros has undergone a dramatic decline throughout much of western Europe from the 1960s. The mechanisms responsible for this phenomenon have not been conclusively identified. At the same time, some populations of Pipistrellus Pipistrellus have increased substantially, possibly as a consequence of foraging upon insects attracted by street lamps. To evaluate whether there might be some ecological link between the opposite demographic trends observed in the two species, we compared the diets of two sympatric populations of R. hipposideros and P. Pipistrellus in south-west Switzerland. The two bat species fed upon the same categories of prey, mainly moths and Diptera, and we were not able to recognize interspecific differences in diet composition in spring when resources were most likely to be limiting. Although using different foraging strategies, both species may visit the same or adjacent feeding grounds, therefore potentially competing for the same populations of prey. Although conclusive evidence is still needed, bat conservation policy should pay more attention to this possibility.
Stephen Harris - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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managing conflict between bats and humans the response of soprano pipistrelles Pipistrellus pygmaeus to exclusion from roosts in houses
PLOS ONE, 2015Co-Authors: Emma Louise Stone, Stephen Harris, Matt R K Zeale, Stuart E Newson, William J Browne, Gareth JonesAbstract:Conflict can arise when bats roost in human dwellings and householders are affected adversely by their presence. In the United Kingdom, the exclusion of bats from roosts can be licensed under exceptional circumstances to alleviate conflict, but the fate of excluded bats and the impact on their survival and reproduction is not well understood. Using radio-tracking, we investigated the effects of exclusion on the soprano pipistrelle Pipistrellus pygmaeus, a species that commonly roosts in buildings in Europe. Exclusions were performed under licence at five roosts in England in spring, when females were in the early stages of pregnancy. Following exclusion, all bats found alternative roosts and colonies congregated in nearby known roosts that had been used by radio-tagged bats prior to exclusion. We found no difference in roosting behaviour before and after exclusion. Both the frequency of roost switching and the type of roosts used by bats remained unchanged. We also found no change in foraging behaviour. Bats foraged in the same areas, travelled similar distances to reach foraging areas and showed similar patterns of habitat selection before and after exclusion. Population modelling suggested that any reduction in survival following exclusion could have a negative impact on population growth, whereas a reduction in productivity would have less effect. While the number of soprano pipistrelle exclusions currently licensed each year is likely to have little effect on local populations, the cumulative impacts of licensing the destruction of large numbers of roosts may be of concern.
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The impact of riparian habitat quality on the foraging and activity of pipistrelle bats (Pipistrellus spp.)
Journal of Zoology, 2010Co-Authors: Stephen Scott, Gareth Jones, G Mclaren, Stephen HarrisAbstract:A naturally functioning riparian zone is essential for the ecological health of a river, filtering pollutants, supplying organic matter and providing a structural habitat for wildlife. Most lowland rivers would also naturally flood the riparian zone at regular intervals, thereby providing direct inputs of nutrients and water that create additional habitats and breeding opportunities for riverine species. We examined the relationship between the quality of the riparian habitat and foraging and activity of bats (Chiroptera), which are good indicators of ecosystem health. Twenty paired sites in the Rivers Lee and Colne catchments in England were selected to test the hypothesis that degradation in the quality of riparian habitat reduces foraging and activity in bats; paired sites were similar in terms of size, flow rate and water chemistry but differed in the quality of their riparian zones. AnaBat detectors were used to measure bat activity from 30 min before dusk to 30 min after sunrise on the same night at paired sites because recording frequency-divided bat echolocation calls in real time allows large amounts of data to be collected over long time periods in a digitized format. Significantly more feeding buzzes were recorded in sites with better quality riparian zones; no differences in overall bat activity were found between the two habitat types. Pipistrellus Pipistrellus and Pipistrellus pygmaeus accounted for 96% of bat passes. Pipistrellus pygmaeus was significantly more active in high quality sites than P. Pipistrellus; there was no difference between the two species in poor quality sites. We show that the quality of riparian buffer zones is important for the activity and feeding behaviour of pipistrelle bats.
