Title
Hibernation Ecology of Silver-Haired Bats Overwintering in British Columbia, Canada (Abstracts from the 2016 Annual Meeting of the Society for Northwestern Vertebrate Biology, Held Jointly with Northwest Partners in Amphibian and Reptile Conservation, Idaho Bat Working Group, Idaho Bird Conservation Partnership, and Idaho Partners in Amphibian and Reptile Conservation, at the Coeur D'Alene Resort, Coeur D'Alene, Idaho, 22–26 February 2016)
Author(s)
Lausen, Cori L.;Hill, Thomas J.
Published
2016
Abstract
The Silver-haired Bat (Lasionycteris noctivagans) is generally considered a ‘migratory- hibernator', migrating to areas where it overwinters with periods of dormancy. It has long been hypothesized that this species may not be migratory in British Columbia, or migration distances are short, supported by its year-round detection in the province. We studied L. noctivagans at 3 study locations in southeast BC from 2009–2014. Using temperature-sensitive transmitters in winter, we documented arousal patterns of both sexes. We determined that L. noctivagans hibernate in mines, rock-crevices, trees and snags, often switching roosts during the winter period. Hibernacula microclimates are high in humidity, but colder than required for optimal growth of the psychrophilic fungus Pseudogymnoascus destructans, which is responsible for white-nose syndrome. By banding individuals at 2 mines in both summer and winter, we documented the 1st evidence of year-round residency at mines by male L. noctivagans. Recaptures of both males and females banded as juveniles and recaptured as adults in subsequent years confirms roost fidelity. Evidence of winter mating was found in some January and February captures. Patterned acoustic recordings by L. noctivagans could be described as “songs” and may be associated with mating behavior given their predominance during fall and winter.
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PUB16076