Bat use of a high-plains urban wildlife refuge

摘要: Bats are significant components of mammalian diversity and in many areas management concern. However, little attention has been given to bats urban or prairie landscapes. In 1997 1998, we determined species richness, relative abundance, roosting habits, echolocation activity at Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge (RMA), the largest unit United States refuge system, located on high plains near Denver, Colorado. An inventory using mist nets revealed 3 foraging this site: big brown (Eptesicus fuscus), hoary (Lasiurus cinereus), silver-haired (Lasionycteris noctivagans). Big comprised 86% captures (n= 1 76). This pattern was consistent with continental-scale predictions bat richness evenness based availability potential roosts. Relative abundance similar that by detector surveys, except latter likely presence least 2 additional (Myotis spp. red [Lasiurus borealis]). Echolocation significantly greater (P=O.OO9) tree water habitat edges than open prairie, suggesting maintaining such features is important for bats. commuted distances (9.2-1 8.8 km) from roosts core sites typically reported elsewhere, emphasizing value site these Urban refuges can provide importance populations, but may be characterized abundant roost buildings if a variety other kinds habitats unavailable.