Foraging ecology of Leisler's bat (Nyctalus leisleri) at two sites in southern Britain

摘要: Leisler's bat Nyctalus leisleri was studied at sites around Bristol and Kent in southern Britain. Its diet by faecal analysis, habitat use monitored radio-telemetry time-expanding bat-detectors. The diet, which varied between the two also with season, consisted primarily of small Nematoceran Diptera plus smaller numbers Coleoptera Lepidoptera. Foraging ranges were relatively large – bats flew a mean maximum distance 4.2 km from roost. Minimum area convex polygons enclosed an average 7.4 km2, but up to 18.4 km2. Bats significantly preferred foraging areas woodland along scrub-lined roads Kent, over pasture Bristol. Urban arable avoided both sites. Bat-detector transects showed significant preference for forage margins.