Pond characteristics as determinants of species diversity and community composition in desert bats

摘要: Although water availability is known to affect landscape-scale patterns of wildlife diversity and distribution in arid environments, little about the microhabitat characteristics that shape local-scale desert bats. We examined relative importance pond for conservation bats, hypothesized bat community composition relate size its hydroperiod (the number months a holds water), term we use distinguish between permanent, semi-permanent temporary ponds. combined acoustic monitoring with video recording an experimental approach study activity over natural ponds Negev Desert, Israel. found both within species richness significantly increased size. An reduction led significant affected composition. In contrast size, did not diversity, as had equivalent levels permanent However, couple composition, whereby non-desert have higher frequency drinking were associated larger more Our results highlight (ponds 15 m length 0.5 depth) biodiversity environments.