Bats and Gaps: The Role of Early Successional Patches in the Roosting and Foraging Ecology of Bats

Susan C. Loeb, Joy M. O’keefe

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter

Abstract

Early successional habitats are important foraging and commuting sites for the 14 species of bats that inhabit the Central Hardwood Region, especially larger open-adapted species such as hoary bats (Lasiurus cinereus), red bats (L. borealis), silver-haired bats (Lasionycteris noctivagans), and big brown bats (Eptesicus fuscus). Forest gaps, small openings, and the edges between early successional patches and mature forest are especially important habitats because they are used by both open-adapted and clutter-adapted species. Several bat species select roosts in close proximity to early successional patches, perhaps to minimize foraging and commuting costs. Future research on effects of early successional patch size, shape, vegetation structure, and connectivity on bat use, and the distribution of early successional habitats in relation to mature forest, roosting sites, and water sources will assist managers in providing the optimal types and distribution of early successional patches on the landscape.
Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationSustaining Young Forest Communities
Subtitle of host publicationEcology and Management of early successional habitats in the central hardwood region, USA
EditorsCathryn Greenberg, Beverly Collins, Frank Thompson III
PublisherSpringer
Chapter10
Pages167-189
ISBN (Electronic)978-94-007-1620-9
ISBN (Print)978-94-007-1619-3
DOIs
StatePublished - Jun 24 2011
Externally publishedYes

Publication series

NameManaging Forest Ecosystems
Volume21
ISSN (Print)1568-1319
ISSN (Electronic)1568-1319

Keywords

  • Mature Forest
  • Late Seral Stage
  • Early Successional Habitat
  • Echolocation Call
  • Forest Road

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