Comparison of systematic roost searches and acoustic detection to determine occupancy of rare forest bats

摘要: Despite recent increases in conservation interest, the distribution, habitat needs, and priorities remain poorly understood for many animal species, including forest bats. In some cases, little quantitative information exists about appropriate survey methods to determine occupancy or abundance of bats systems. We quantitatively compared detection probabilities between 2 commonly used techniques bat species that are closely associated with bottomland hardwood stands southeastern United States. Passive acoustic surveys echolocation calls were more likely than systematic roost searches detect both Rafinesque's big-eared (Corynorhinus rafinesquii) myotis (Myotis austroriparius) at 7 study areas eastern Texas. Our results confirmed numerous repeat visits (>15 acoustic-survey-nights) necessary have high confidence detecting bats; however, easier detect. emphasize importance assessing prior designing implementing widespread programs © 2013 The Wildlife Society