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17 pages, 3053 KiB  
Article
Virome of Terrestrial Mammals and Bats from Southern Brazil: Circulation of New Putative Members of the Togaviridae Family and Other Findings
by Julyana Sthéfanie Simões Matos, Meriane Demoliner, Juliana Schons Gularte, Micheli Filippi, Vyctoria Malayhka de Abreu Góes Pereira, Mariana Soares da Silva, Matheus Nunes Weber, Marcelo Pereira de Barros and Fernando Rosado Spilki
Pathogens 2025, 14(4), 310; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens14040310 - 24 Mar 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1250
Abstract
The surveillance of wildlife viromes is essential for identifying zoonotic threats within the One Health framework. This study analyzed rectal and oral swabs from 88 individuals representing 13 species as felids, wild rodents, marsupials and non-human primates in Southern Brazil using metagenomic sequencing. [...] Read more.
The surveillance of wildlife viromes is essential for identifying zoonotic threats within the One Health framework. This study analyzed rectal and oral swabs from 88 individuals representing 13 species as felids, wild rodents, marsupials and non-human primates in Southern Brazil using metagenomic sequencing. Akodon montensis (n = 15 individuals) and Coendou spinosus (n = 4) harbored Chikungunya virus (ChikV, Togaviridae), marking its first detection in these hosts. Molossus molossus (n = 17) presented Coronaviridae and Orthoherpesviridae, while Eptesicus furinalis (n = 1) also carried Coronaviridae. A broad virome diversity, including Togaviridae and Adenoviridae members, was identified in Didelphis albiventris (n = 43), with significant relevance to human health. Additional species, such as Callithrix jacchus (n = 1), Leopardus guttulus (n = 1), Myocastor coypus (n = 1), Monodelphis iheringi (n = 1), Thaptomys nigrita (n = 1), Sooretamys angouya (n = 1), Brucepattersonius iheringi (n = 1), and Lasiurus blossevillii (n = 1), contributed to insights into viral reservoirs. These results underscore the importance of virome studies in regions harboring high biodiversity, emphasizing genomic surveillance as a vital tool for monitoring zoonotic viruses and safeguarding global health. Full article
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18 pages, 2111 KiB  
Article
Detection of Spotted Lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) by Bats: A qPCR Approach to Forest Pest Surveillance
by Erin McHale, Robert Kwait, Kathleen Kerwin, Kathleen Kyle, Christian Crosby and Brooke Maslo
Forests 2025, 16(3), 443; https://doi.org/10.3390/f16030443 - 28 Feb 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 4361
Abstract
Invasive insect pests pose a significant threat to forest ecosystems. Effective pest management relies on detecting these pests, which can be challenging when populations are sparse, newly introduced, or not easily observable. The spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula White), a recent invader to [...] Read more.
Invasive insect pests pose a significant threat to forest ecosystems. Effective pest management relies on detecting these pests, which can be challenging when populations are sparse, newly introduced, or not easily observable. The spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula White), a recent invader to North America, has caused extensive damage across the eastern United States since its introduction in 2014. Conventional monitoring methods, such as traps or visual inspections, are limited in their spatial coverage and may not reliably attract or capture target species. In this study, we explored the potential of bat guano as an additional tool for invasive insect detection. We collected guano samples from five bat species across three forested sites in New Jersey, USA, between 2018 and 2022 and used species-specific quantitative PCR (qPCR) to detect spotted lanternfly DNA. Spotted lanternfly DNA was detected in guano from two bat species: big brown bats (Eptesicus fuscus) and eastern red bats (Lasiurus borealis). Detection probability was strongly influenced by spotted lanternfly phenology, with higher detection rates occurring during the adult life stage. The detection of spotted lanternfly DNA in bat guano demonstrates the feasibility of using guano analysis as a complementary tool for insect pest surveillance. Integrating guano-based monitoring with traditional methods could enhance insect pest detection efforts across diverse forested and agricultural landscapes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Monitoring and Control of Forest Pests)
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12 pages, 4608 KiB  
Article
Evolutionary Relationships of Unclassified Coronaviruses in Canadian Bat Species
by Ayo Yila Simon, Maulik D. Badmalia, Sarah-Jo Paquette, Jessica Manalaysay, Dominic Czekay, Bishnu Sharma Kandel, Asma Sultana, Oliver Lung, George Giorgi Babuadze and Nariman Shahhosseini
Viruses 2024, 16(12), 1878; https://doi.org/10.3390/v16121878 - 4 Dec 2024
Viewed by 1526
Abstract
Bats are recognized as natural reservoirs for an array of diverse viruses, particularly coronaviruses, which have been linked to major human diseases like SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV. These viruses are believed to have originated in bats, highlighting their role in virus ecology and evolution. [...] Read more.
Bats are recognized as natural reservoirs for an array of diverse viruses, particularly coronaviruses, which have been linked to major human diseases like SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV. These viruses are believed to have originated in bats, highlighting their role in virus ecology and evolution. Our study focuses on the molecular characterization of bat-derived coronaviruses (CoVs) in Canada. Tissue samples from 500 bat specimens collected in Canada were analyzed using pan-coronavirus RT-PCR assays to detect the presence of CoVs from four genera: Alpha-CoVs, Beta-CoV, Gamma-CoV, and Delta-CoV. Phylogenetic analysis was performed targeting the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRP) gene. Our results showed an overall 1.4% CoV positivity rate in our bat sample size. Phylogenetic analysis based on the ~600 bp sequences led to the identification of an unclassified subgenus of Alpha-CoV, provisionally named Eptacovirus. The findings contribute to a better understanding of the diversity and evolution of CoVs found in the bat species of Canada. The current study underscores the significance of bats in the epidemiology of CoVs and enhances the knowledge of their genetic diversity and potential impact on global public health. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Zoonotic and Vector-Borne Viral Diseases)
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11 pages, 1428 KiB  
Article
Detection and Serological Evidence of European Bat Lyssavirus 1 in Belgian Bats between 2016 and 2018
by Inne Nauwelaers, Claudia Van den Eynde, Sanne Terryn, Bob Vandendriessche, Wout Willems, Daan Dekeukeleire and Steven Van Gucht
Trop. Med. Infect. Dis. 2024, 9(7), 151; https://doi.org/10.3390/tropicalmed9070151 - 5 Jul 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1572
Abstract
Lyssaviruses are neurotropic viruses capable of inducing fatal encephalitis. While rabies virus has been successfully eradicated in Belgium, the prevalence of other lyssaviruses remains uncertain. In this study, we conducted a survey on live animals and passive surveillance to investigate the presence of [...] Read more.
Lyssaviruses are neurotropic viruses capable of inducing fatal encephalitis. While rabies virus has been successfully eradicated in Belgium, the prevalence of other lyssaviruses remains uncertain. In this study, we conducted a survey on live animals and passive surveillance to investigate the presence of lyssaviruses in Belgium. In 2018, a total of 113 saliva samples and 87 blood samples were collected from bats. Saliva was subjected to RT-qPCR to identify lyssavirus infections. Additionally, an adapted lyssavirus neutralisation assay was set up for the detection of antibodies neutralising EBLV-1 in blood samples. Furthermore, we examined 124 brain tissue samples obtained from deceased bats during passive surveillance between 2016 and 2018. All saliva samples tested negative for lyssaviruses. Analysis of the blood samples uncovered the presence of lyssavirus-neutralising antibodies in five bat species and 32% of samples with a wide range depending on bat species, suggesting past exposure to a lyssavirus. Notably, EBLV-1 was detected in brain tissue samples from two Eptesicus serotinus specimens collected in 2016 near Bertrix and 2017 near Étalle, confirming for the first time the presence of EBLV-1 in Belgium and raising awareness of the potential risks associated with this species of bats as reservoirs of the virus. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Treatment and Risk Assessment of Rabies)
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15 pages, 1015 KiB  
Article
Bat Bites and Rabies PEP in the Croatian Reference Centre for Rabies 1995–2020
by Radovan Vodopija, Ivana Lojkić, Daniela Hamidović, Jelena Boneta and Dora Primorac
Viruses 2024, 16(6), 876; https://doi.org/10.3390/v16060876 - 30 May 2024
Viewed by 3701
Abstract
Seroprevalence of lyssaviruses in certain bat species has been proven in the Republic of Croatia, but there have been no confirmed positive bat brain isolates or human fatalities associated with bat injuries/bites. The study included a retrospective analysis of bat injuries/bites, post-exposure prophylaxis [...] Read more.
Seroprevalence of lyssaviruses in certain bat species has been proven in the Republic of Croatia, but there have been no confirmed positive bat brain isolates or human fatalities associated with bat injuries/bites. The study included a retrospective analysis of bat injuries/bites, post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) and geographic distribution of bat injuries in persons examined at the Zagreb Antirabies Clinic, the Croatian Reference Centre for Rabies. In the period 1995–2020, we examined a total of 21,910 patients due to animal injuries, of which 71 cases were bat-related (0.32%). Of the above number of patients, 4574 received rabies PEP (20.87%). However, for bat injuries, the proportion of patients receiving PEP was significantly higher: 66 out of 71 patients (92.95%). Of these, 33 received only the rabies vaccine, while the other 33 patients received the vaccine with human rabies immunoglobulin (HRIG). In five cases, PEP was not administered, as there was no indication for treatment. Thirty-five of the injured patients were biologists or biology students (49.29%). The bat species was confirmed in only one of the exposure cases. This was a serotine bat (Eptesicus serotinus), a known carrier of Lyssavirus hamburg. The results showed that the bat bites were rather sporadic compared to other human injuries caused by animal bites. All bat injuries should be treated as if they were caused by a rabid animal, and according to WHO recommendations. People who come into contact with bats should be strongly advised to be vaccinated against rabies. Entering bat habitats should be done with caution and in accordance with current recommendations, and nationwide surveillance should be carried out by competent institutions and in close collaboration between bat experts, epidemiologists and rabies experts. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Rabies Virus: Treatment and Prevention)
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14 pages, 1655 KiB  
Article
Conservation Value to Bats: Assessing Multiple Functional Habitats in a Nature Preserve at the Urban-Agricultural Interface via Temporal Ecology
by Han Li and Jeremy A. White
Sustainability 2024, 16(7), 2858; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16072858 - 29 Mar 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1760
Abstract
In grassland ecosystems, agriculture and urbanization are two main anthropogenic disturbances to native fauna. Nature preserves at the urban-agricultural interface may include diverse vegetation habitats, providing opportunities for native fauna. Limited research has examined the conservation value of such preserves to bats. We [...] Read more.
In grassland ecosystems, agriculture and urbanization are two main anthropogenic disturbances to native fauna. Nature preserves at the urban-agricultural interface may include diverse vegetation habitats, providing opportunities for native fauna. Limited research has examined the conservation value of such preserves to bats. We examined bat activity patterns at multiple temporal scales at Glacier Creek Preserve in Omaha, Nebraska, USA, between 2018 and 2020 via acoustic monitoring to identify what functional habitats it might provide to bats. We placed bat detectors along the forest edge and in the open, restored native prairies and open agricultural fields. A total of nine species were recorded at the preserve, including the endangered Myotis septentrionalis. Foraging activities were recorded for six species. The edge habitat had higher overall acoustic activities for three species (Eptesicus fuscus, Lasiurus borealis, and Lasiurus cinereus) and a higher proportion of foraging activities for two species (Lasiurus borealis and Lasiurus cinereus) than the open habitat. Lasiurus cinereus displayed activity peaks early at night, whereas Lasiurus borealis had activity peaks late. Results suggest that a medium-sized nature preserve at the urban-agricultural interface can provide roosts, commuting corridors, and foraging grounds for different bats. The conservation value of such nature preserves should not be overlooked. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Sustainability, Biodiversity and Conservation)
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16 pages, 2579 KiB  
Article
Bats at an Altitude above 2000 m on Pirin Mountain, Bulgaria
by Heliana Dundarova and Vasil V. Popov
Animals 2024, 14(1), 126; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14010126 - 29 Dec 2023
Viewed by 2518
Abstract
The study describes a pilot survey on bats in the highest areas of Pirin Mountain. The methods included examining subfossil bone remains, mist-netting, and recording echolocation calls. The study was conducted in August 2002 and 2013 and from 2019 to 2020. While in [...] Read more.
The study describes a pilot survey on bats in the highest areas of Pirin Mountain. The methods included examining subfossil bone remains, mist-netting, and recording echolocation calls. The study was conducted in August 2002 and 2013 and from 2019 to 2020. While in general, bat diversity tends to decrease with increasing altitude due to harsher environmental conditions, the present study, despite a short period, reveals high diversity. Twenty species, more than half of the Bulgarian bat fauna, were detected. The recording and analysis of vocal signatures proved to be the best way to inventory bat diversity. At least 13 species were detected by this method. Vespertilio murinus and Tadarida teniotis together make up more than 60% of all reliably determined echolocation sequences. Significant activity was found for Myotis myotis/blythii, Plecotus auritus, Eptesicus serotinus, and E. nilssonii. The registration of the latter species is of considerable faunistic interest. It was previously only known from a single specimen at one location in the country. The sex and age structure of the bat assemblage suggests that it is likely a swarming assemblage. The area is the highest swarming location in Europe. The results provide valuable information on bat ecology and behaviour, which can be used to inform management and protection efforts. Full article
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11 pages, 1791 KiB  
Article
Adipose Tissues from Human and Bat-Derived Cell Lines Support Ebola Virus Infection
by Lauren Garnett, Kaylie N. Tran, Zachary Schiffman, Kristina A. Muise, Quinn E. Fletcher, Yvonne A. Dzal, Anders Leung, Alix Albietz, Bryce M. Warner, Bryan D. Griffin, Darwyn Kobasa, Craig K. R. Willis and James E. Strong
Viruses 2023, 15(9), 1827; https://doi.org/10.3390/v15091827 - 29 Aug 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2260
Abstract
Ebola virus is a zoonotic pathogen with a geographic range covering diverse ecosystems that are home to many potential reservoir species. Although researchers have detected Ebola virus RNA and serological evidence of previous infection in different rodents and bats, the infectious virus has [...] Read more.
Ebola virus is a zoonotic pathogen with a geographic range covering diverse ecosystems that are home to many potential reservoir species. Although researchers have detected Ebola virus RNA and serological evidence of previous infection in different rodents and bats, the infectious virus has not been isolated. The field is missing critical knowledge about where the virus is maintained between outbreaks, either because the virus is rarely encountered, overlooked during sampling, and/or requires specific unknown conditions that regulate viral expression. This study assessed adipose tissue as a previously overlooked tissue capable of supporting Ebola virus infection. Adipose tissue is a dynamic endocrine organ helping to regulate and coordinate homeostasis, energy metabolism, and neuroendocrine and immune functions. Through in vitro infection of human and bat (Eptesicus fuscus) brown adipose tissue cultures using wild-type Ebola virus, this study showed high levels of viral replication for 28 days with no qualitative indicators of cytopathic effects. In addition, alterations in adipocyte metabolism following long-term infection were qualitatively observed through an increase in lipid droplet number while decreasing in size, a harbinger of lipolysis or adipocyte browning. The finding that bat and human adipocytes are susceptible to Ebola virus infection has important implications for potential tissue tropisms that have not yet been investigated. Additionally, the findings suggest how the metabolism of this tissue may play a role in pathogenesis, viral transmission, and/or zoonotic spillover events. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Viruses and Bats 2023)
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15 pages, 1460 KiB  
Article
Do Bats Avoid the Urban Core in the Breeding Season? A Case Study from Temperate Latitudes
by Anton Vlaschenko, Olena Rodenko, Vitalii Hukov, Viktor Kovalov, Alona Prylutska and Kseniia Kravchenko
Diversity 2023, 15(9), 967; https://doi.org/10.3390/d15090967 - 27 Aug 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1844
Abstract
Seasonal utilization of urban areas by bats remains inadequately explored. This study aimed to comprehensively survey the species composition and population dynamics of bats during both the breeding season (May–July) and autumn migration season (August–September) within a large urban area, specifically Kharkiv city, [...] Read more.
Seasonal utilization of urban areas by bats remains inadequately explored. This study aimed to comprehensively survey the species composition and population dynamics of bats during both the breeding season (May–July) and autumn migration season (August–September) within a large urban area, specifically Kharkiv city, Ukraine. We conducted multiyear data collection from 2014 to 2016, employing a combination of acoustic recordings, mist-netting, and registration of opportunistically found bats. The results revealed the identification of seven bat species using all methods (Eptesicus serotinus, Nyctalus noctula, N. leisleri, Pipistrellus pygmaeus, P. kuhlii, P. nathusii, and Vespertilio murinus), with notable differences in species composition between the studied periods. During the migration season, N. noctula was a numerically predominant species, while P. kuhlii and E. serotinus were the most abundant during the breeding season. The urban core bat population during the breeding season primarily consisted of males and solitary reproductive females, mainly represented by P. kuhlii and E. serotinus. Acoustic recording data indicated that N. noctula actively avoided the urban core during the breeding season, but was more common on the city periphery. In contrast, during the migration season, the city experienced a significant surge in bat abundance, both in general and specifically among noctule bats, with their numbers increasing tenfold compared to the breeding season. Moreover, a considerable number of young individuals were observed during the migration season. These findings provide evidence that bats tend to avoid the urban core in large cities at temperate latitudes during the breeding season but actively utilize urban areas during autumn migration. Understanding the seasonal preferences and movements of bats in urban environments is crucial for effective conservation and management strategies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Wildlife Population Ecology and Spatial Ecology under Global Change)
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47 pages, 8864 KiB  
Article
The Bats of Greece: An Updated Review of Their Distribution, Ecology and Conservation
by Panagiotis Georgiakakis, Artemis Kafkaletou Diez, Ioanna Salvarina, Petr Benda, Geoffrey Billington, Christian Dietz, Jacquie Billington, David Cove, Stephen Davison, Martyn Cooke and Eleni Papadatou
Animals 2023, 13(15), 2529; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13152529 - 5 Aug 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 7670
Abstract
Bats of Greece have been studied since the second half of the 19th century. Their distribution and ecology, however, remain poorly understood. Conservation efforts for the protection of the roosting and foraging habitats of their populations in Greece are limited. To date, 35 [...] Read more.
Bats of Greece have been studied since the second half of the 19th century. Their distribution and ecology, however, remain poorly understood. Conservation efforts for the protection of the roosting and foraging habitats of their populations in Greece are limited. To date, 35 bat species have been recorded from Greece. Four species (Eptesicus anatolicus, Plecotus auritus, Myotis brandtii and Rousettus aegyptiacus) have a limited distribution in the country and the presence of one species (Myotis mystacinus) requires verification. The present study summarises all existing knowledge and adds several hundred new records on the distribution of bats of Greece. Additionally, it provides a summary of new insights on various aspects of their roosting ecology, foraging habitat use, altitudinal distribution, winter activity and landscape characteristics around major roosts. Finally, it discusses the current research and conservation needs of Greek bats. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mammal Ecology and Conservation in Southeastern Europe)
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10 pages, 674 KiB  
Article
Rabies in Bats (Chiroptera, Mammalia) in Brazil: Prevalence and Potential Risk Factors Based on Twenty Years of Research in the Northwestern Region of São Paulo, Brazil
by Ana Beatriz Garcia, Cristiano de Carvalho, Daiene Casagrande, Mirelle Andrea de Carvalho Picinato, Wagner Andre Pedro, Márcia Marinho and Luzia Helena Queiroz
Vet. Sci. 2023, 10(1), 34; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci10010034 - 3 Jan 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3795
Abstract
The number of rabies cases in bats has increased recently in Brazil and in the state of São Paulo, representing a new epidemiological scenario for this zoonosis. This study aimed to analyze the prevalence of rabies in bats according to food habits, taxonomic [...] Read more.
The number of rabies cases in bats has increased recently in Brazil and in the state of São Paulo, representing a new epidemiological scenario for this zoonosis. This study aimed to analyze the prevalence of rabies in bats according to food habits, taxonomic classification, sex and season of the year to identify possible risk factors for rabies occurrence in bats. A retrospective analysis of 6389 records of bat samples, from different municipalities of São Paulo, submitted to rabies diagnosis and taxonomic identification was carried out at the Rabies Diagnostic and Chiroptera Laboratories of Unesp Araçatuba, São Paulo, Brazil, from 1998 to 2017. Seventy-six (1.1%) positive rabies cases were detected in bats from ten species and seven genera of three families. The number of rabies-positive cases was higher in the dry season, with a significant association. The prevalence was higher in the Vespertilionidae family (37), especially Myotis nigricans (19) and Eptesicus furinalis (14). Frugivorous bats had a greater association with positivity for rabies, whereas the variable “sex” had no association. We recommend that the surveillance and control of rabies should be undertaken primarily during the dry season, especially in the Vespertilionidae family species and other species with a frugivorous food habit. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Veterinary Public Health)
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13 pages, 2433 KiB  
Article
The Prevalence of Viral Pathogens among Bats in Kazakhstan
by Adilbay I. Karagulov, Takhmina U. Argimbayeva, Zamira D. Omarova, Ali B. Tulendibayev, Laura Zh. Dushayeva, Marina A. Svotina, Aibarys M. Melisbek, Nurdos A. Aubakir, Sabyrkhan M. Barmak, Kulyaisan T. Sultankulova, Dana A. Alibekova, Tanat T. Yermekbai, Askar M. Nametov, Dmitry A. Lozovoy, Khairulla B. Abeuov and Mukhit B. Orynbayev
Viruses 2022, 14(12), 2743; https://doi.org/10.3390/v14122743 - 9 Dec 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3156
Abstract
Bats carry thousands of viruses from 28 different families. To determine the presence of various pathogens in bat populations in Kazakhstan, 1149 samples (393 oropharyngeal swabs, 349 brain samples, 407 guano) were collected. The samples were collected from four species of bats ( [...] Read more.
Bats carry thousands of viruses from 28 different families. To determine the presence of various pathogens in bat populations in Kazakhstan, 1149 samples (393 oropharyngeal swabs, 349 brain samples, 407 guano) were collected. The samples were collected from four species of bats (Vespertilio murinus, Nyctalus noctula, Myotis blythii, Eptesicus serotinus) in nine regions. The Coronavirus RNA was found in 38 (4.75%) samples, and the rabies virus in 27 (7.74%) samples from bats. Coronaviruses and the rabies virus were found in bats in six out of nine studied areas. The RNAs of SARS-CoV-2, MERS, TBE, CCHF, WNF, influenza A viruses were not detected in the bat samples. The phylogeny of the RdRp gene of 12 samples made it possible to classify them as alphacoronaviruses and divide them into two groups. The main group (n = 11) was closely related to bat coronaviruses from Ghana, Zimbabwe and Kenya. The second group (n = 1) was closely related to viruses previously isolated in the south of Kazakhstan. The phylogeny of the N gene sequence from a bat from west Kazakhstan revealed its close relationship with isolates from the Cosmopolitan group of rabies viruses (Central Asia). These results highlight the need for a continuous monitoring of volatile populations to improve the surveillance and detection of infectious diseases. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bat-Borne Viruses Research)
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15 pages, 2158 KiB  
Article
Insectivorous Bats in Eastern Mediterranean Planted Pine Forests—Effects of Forest Structure on Foraging Activity, Diversity, and Implications for Management Practices
by Claudia Allegrini, Carmi Korine and Boris R. Krasnov
Forests 2022, 13(9), 1411; https://doi.org/10.3390/f13091411 - 2 Sep 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2154
Abstract
Bats are primarily forest mammals and forest structure may affect their communities through the level of vegetation clutter. Pine plantations are typically even-aged managed forests that lack structural complexity. However, an understory layer can enhance the heterogeneity of these forests, making them suitable [...] Read more.
Bats are primarily forest mammals and forest structure may affect their communities through the level of vegetation clutter. Pine plantations are typically even-aged managed forests that lack structural complexity. However, an understory layer can enhance the heterogeneity of these forests, making them suitable for several animal taxa. We hypothesized that species composition, richness, and foraging activity of insectivorous bats in pine plantations vary according to forest structure, specifically with the density of the understory. We measured pine density, Diameter at Breast Height (DBH), canopy closure, and vegetation cover of 29 pine (Pinus halepensis) plantations of the Judean Lowlands, Israel, and collected acoustic data on resident bats. We found that bat species richness and total activity increased in forests with large tree DBH and dense shrubs. Cluttered-habitat species foraged preferentially in forests with large tree DBH and high pine density, while open-habitat species preferred forests with well-developed canopies and dense shrubs. Pipistrellus pipistrellus and Eptesicus serotinus foraged in mature forests with well-developed bushes and these species are endangered in Israel. We conclude that mature planted pine forests with a well-developed under-canopy are suitable foraging grounds for insectivorous bats. Management plans for planted pine forests should consider our findings to support bat populations, including rare and endangered species. Full article
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19 pages, 1388 KiB  
Article
Habitat Associations of Overwintering Bats in Managed Pine Forest Landscapes
by Brett R. Andersen, Liam P. McGuire, Thomas Bently Wigley, Darren A. Miller and Richard D. Stevens
Forests 2022, 13(5), 803; https://doi.org/10.3390/f13050803 - 20 May 2022
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 3549
Abstract
Research Highlights: Seasonal variation in environmental conditions coinciding with reproductive and energetic demands might result in seasonal differences in species-specific habitat use. We studied a winter assemblage of insectivorous bats and found that species acted as habitat generalists during winter compared to expectations [...] Read more.
Research Highlights: Seasonal variation in environmental conditions coinciding with reproductive and energetic demands might result in seasonal differences in species-specific habitat use. We studied a winter assemblage of insectivorous bats and found that species acted as habitat generalists during winter compared to expectations based on the summer active season. Background and Objectives: In temperate regions, seasonal fluctuations in resource availability might restructure local bat assemblages. Initially perceived to only hibernate or migrate to avoid adverse winter conditions, temperate insectivorous bats appear to also employ intermediate overwintering strategies, as a growing body of literature suggests that winter activity is quite prevalent and even common in some lower latitude areas. However, to date, most studies have exclusively assessed habitat associations during summer. Because habitat use during summer is strongly influenced by reproduction, we hypothesized that habitat associations might differ during the non-reproductive winter period. We used acoustic monitoring to assess the habitat associations of bats across a managed pine landscape in the southeastern United States. Materials and Methods: During the winters of 2018 and 2019, we deployed acoustic detectors at 72 unique locations to monitor bat activity and characterized vegetation conditions at two scales (microhabitat and landscape). We used linear mixed models to characterize species-specific activity patterns associated with different vegetation conditions. Results: We found little evidence of different activity patterns during winter. The activity of three species (hoary bat: Lasiurus cinereus; southeastern myotis: Myotis austroriparius; and tricolored bat: Perimyotis subflavus) was not related to vegetation variables and only modest relationships were evident for four other species/groups (big brown bat: Eptesicus fuscus; eastern red bat: L. borealis; Seminole bat: L. seminolus; evening bat: Nycticeius humeralis; and Brazilian free-tailed bat: Tadarida brasiliensis). Conclusions: During winter, the bats in our study were active across the landscape in various cover types, suggesting that they do not exhibit the same habitat associations as in summer. Therefore, seasonal differences in distributions and habitat associations of bat populations need to be considered so that effective management strategies can be devised that help conserve bats year round. Full article
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10 pages, 2411 KiB  
Article
Mid-Atlantic Big Brown and Eastern Red Bats: Relationships between Acoustic Activity and Reproductive Phenology
by Sabrina Deeley, W. Mark Ford, Nicholas J. Kalen, Samuel R. Freeze, Michael St. Germain, Michael Muthersbaugh, Elaine Barr, Andrew Kniowski, Alexander Silvis and Jesse De La Cruz
Diversity 2022, 14(5), 319; https://doi.org/10.3390/d14050319 - 21 Apr 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2784
Abstract
Acoustic data are often used to describe bat activity, including habitat use within the summer reproductive period. These data inform management activities that potentially impact bats, currently a taxa of high conservation concern. To understand the relationship between acoustic and reproductive timing, we [...] Read more.
Acoustic data are often used to describe bat activity, including habitat use within the summer reproductive period. These data inform management activities that potentially impact bats, currently a taxa of high conservation concern. To understand the relationship between acoustic and reproductive timing, we sampled big brown bats (Eptesicus fuscus) and eastern red bats (Lasiurus borealis) on 482 mist-netting and 35,410 passive acoustic sampling nights within the District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia, 2015–2018. We documented the proportion of female, pregnant, lactating, and juvenile big brown and eastern red bats within each mist-net sampling event and calculated locally estimated non-parametric scatterplot smoothing (LOESS) lines for each reproductive and acoustic dataset. We compared the peak in acoustic activity with the peaks of each reproductive condition. We determined that the highest levels of acoustic activity within the maternity season were most associated with the period wherein we captured the highest proportions of lactating bats, not juvenile bats, as often assumed. Full article
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