Importance of night roosts for bat conservation: roosting behaviour of the lesser horseshoe bat Rhinolophus hipposideros

摘要: Safeguarding day roosts is of key importance in bat conservation. However, little emphasis has been placed on the conservation night roosts, although these may act as refuges close to foraging grounds. We studied roosting behaviour lesser horseshoe Rhinolophus hipposideros, a species that declined over large areas Europe, and radio-tracked 54 bats from 3 maternity contrasting landscapes Britain. The exhibited multimodal patterns overnight activity (mean ind. -1 : 2.1 4.5 bouts). More than 75% used away roost, typically buildings. Up 5 different were by individual bats, with number correlated home range core area. Night significantly nearer 64 86% contained within nuclei. Multimodal frequent use are impor- tant aspects R. hipposideros need be considered management strategies. postulate minimisation distance feeding sites primary function being for resting digestion between bouts. therefore an integral part require protection.