Cool gleaners: Thermoregulation in sympatric bat species

摘要: Abstract Thermoregulatory behavior in temperate bats is influenced by gender, food availability, ambient temperature and reproduction. Ecologically morphologically similar bat species (Myotis bechsteinii, M. nattereri, Plecotus auritus; Vespertilionidae) facing diurnal conditions should therefore not differ their thermoregulatory behavior. Identified day roosts (n = 23) of radio-tagged (n = 30) were spread over an area 33.1 ha, but did between roosting sites. Furthermore, there was no significant difference cardinal direction, roost height, canopy coverage, breast height diameter used the three species. Minimum temperatures isolation values, however, differed significantly our with lowest values P. auritus. The range skin (min–max) recorded temperature-sensitive transmitters species-specific ranges late pregnancy (mean ± SD: 7.1 ± 1.1 °C) highest post-lactation 13.1 ± 1.1 °C). minimum temperature, auritus 20.2 ± 1.1 °C), intermediate nattereri 23.4 ± 1.0 °C), bechsteinii 26.8 ± 1.0 °C). Species-specific usage energy-saving mechanisms might represent important niche differentiation Different allow, e.g. one to occupy colder higher variations or shorten foraging times due distinct