USING HYDROGEN ISOTOPES TO ASSIGN ORIGINS OF BATS IN THE EASTERN UNITED STATES

摘要: Stable hydrogen isotopes (dDs) in metabolically inert tissues such as feathers and hair provide a set of endogenous markers that may be useful for establishing migratory connectivity animals. We tested the assumption clear relationship between dD values growing-season–weighted average precipitation (dDp) derived from 2 geographic information system (GIS) models or latitude (LAT) bat (dDh), examined intra- interspecific variation dDh 4 species eastern United States. analyzed 251 samples 1 long-distance migrant (eastern red [Lasiurus borealis]) 3 regional migrants (Indiana [Myotis sodalis], northern long-eared [M. septentrionalis], little brown lucifugus]) captured during reproductive period (pregnancy lactation) when bats are resident. LAT explained more than dDp either GIS-based models, although model performed better some species. found significant intraspecific differences relationships estimates Bowen et al. (dDpB) L. borealis, regression equations among adult females males. isotope analysis valuable tool studying bats, but variatio ni ndDh suggests pooling across sex age categories use surrogate should avoided.