Roche, Niamh (1997) Aspects of the ecology of insectivorous bats (Chiroptera) in temperate deciduous woodlands. PhD thesis, University of Warwick.

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Abstract

Ecological requirements of temperate bat species have been the subject
of research in recent years. Remaining native woodlands are believed to be
particularly important as foraging sites for bats in Britain. However, little
work has been conducted on these habitats.
This thesis examines spatial and temporal variations in bat activity in
woodlands in relation to a number of factors including prey availability and
diversity, weather variables and vegetation density.
In this thesis, preference or avoidance of a woodland microhabitat was
found to be related to vegetation density of the shrub and canopy. Optimal
microhabitats balance the requirements for openness (related to a bat's
morphology and echolocation capabilities) and a degree of shelter (necessary
for predator avoidance).
Nocturnal activity of Pipistrellus pipistrellus in woodlands was
investigated and where the woodland was situated in close proximity to a
roost, activity was unimodal during pregnancy, bimodal during lactation, and
unimodal after weaning. However, in one woodland where no maternity
roost was found close-by, nocturnal activity patterns differed.
Seasonal bat activity within woodlands was examined in relation to
insect availability and climatic factors. Activity was found to be mainly
influenced by insect availability. The weather variables regulating insect
abundance vary between woodlands and may largely be a function of site
characteristics. The range and diversity of available prey taxa rarely affects
activity of P. pipistrellus, the most commonly encountered bat in this study.
Bat detectors have been used in many habitat and landscape studies
(including this one) to estimate bat activity. Until now, no direct association
has been made between the number of bat passes and the density of bats
present. This issue was investigated using computer simulation models. A
nonlinear relationship was found between bat passes and bat density,
reducing to an almost linear relationship at the low bat pass numbers
typically found in the field.

Item Type:	Thesis (PhD)
Subjects:	Q Science > QL Zoology
Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH):	Bats -- Habitat -- Great Britain, Bats -- Behavior -- Great Britain, Bats -- Ecology -- Great Britain, Forests and forestry -- Great Britain, Pipistrellus -- Great Britain
Official Date:	June 1997
Dates:	Date Event June 1997 Submitted
Institution:	University of Warwick
Theses Department:	Institute of Education
Thesis Type:	PhD
Publication Status:	Unpublished
Supervisor(s)/Advisor:	Elliott, Paul
Sponsors:	University of Warwick
Extent:	267, [63] leaves
Language:	eng

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