Roost selection by Mauritian tomb bats (Taphozus mauritianus) in Lilongwe city, Malawi - importance of woodland for sustainable urban planning.

摘要: Increasing urbanisation has led to a greater use of artificial structures by bats as alternative roost sites. Despite the widespread presence bats, availability may restrict their distribution and abundance in urban environments. There is limited quantitative information on drivers bat selection roosting preferences, particularly African bats. We explore factors influencing Mauritian tomb (Taphozous mauritianus), within an landscape Lilongwe city, Malawi. Eight building five features roosts were compared with both adjacent random control buildings throughout city. Bat occupied situated closer woodland (mean 709m) 1847m) but did not differ any other explored. Roosts larger areas taller walls, suggesting select for predator-avoidance acoustic perception when leaving roost. Bats preferred exposed roof beams which provide refuge from disturbance. Whilst are more often brick this feature was also associated features, therefore its importance less clear. These results indicative that T. mauritianus selects at level. The selectivity relation sites implies resource, such, conservation actions should focus protecting rely on.