Social and population structure of a gleaning bat, Plecotus auritus

摘要: Brown long-eared bats Plecotus auritus occupying 30 summer roosts in north-east Scotland were studied over 15 years. During this time 1365 ringed, and a further 720 recaptures made. Individual showed high degree of roost fidelity, returning to one main site; < 1% recaptured had moved among sites, all recorded movements (n = 5) 300 m. Adults both sexes loyal the sites at which they first captured, indicating long-term use roosts. At least some juveniles 32) returned natal roost. Mark‐recapture estimates indicated that colonies species substantially larger (c. 30‐50 individuals) than assumed previous studies. differs from most other temperate zone, vespertilionid there was no evidence sexual segregation during summer, with males present throughout period occupancy. Population structure seems be consistent metapopulation model, discrete sub-populations showing minimal interchange. The group size, colony composition population described may associated wing shape (particularly aspect ratio) foraging behaviour P. auritus. It is postulated relative motility, linked structure, affect distribution individuals, have implications for genetic species. Correlations between ratio size migratory behaviour, across British bat species, indicate could an important factor contributing patterns social structuring bats.