Urbanization and the abundance and diversity of Prairie bats

摘要: The effects of urbanization on biodiversity are generally considered to be negative, but the potential for landscape context modulate these has not been adequately examined because most urban ecology research conducted in one biome: temperate forest. This bias also applies studies bats, whose diversity is correlated with habitat heterogeneity. We investigated hypothesis that fairly flat, homogeneous Prairies, urbanization, by creating structurally complex islands, benefits bats increasing access vertical elements (buildings and trees) which they roost. From 2006 2008, we surveyed bat assemblages around Calgary, Alberta, using mist nets capture them detectors record their echolocation activity. Our data supported prediction increases abundance Prairie it diversity. Instead, assemblage was less diverse, exhibited decreased species evenness compared non-urban assemblages. Although Myotis lucifugus dominated throughout our study area, this evident city, drove increased bats. Ultimately, reject conclude Prairies may create attractive synanthropic bat, detrimental others.