First Direct Evidence of Long-distance Seasonal Movements and Hibernation in a Migratory Bat.

ABSTRACT: Understanding of migration in small bats has been constrained by limitations of techniques that were labor-intensive, provided coarse levels of resolution, or were limited to population-level inferences. Knowledge of movements and behaviors of individual bats have been unknowable because of limitations in size of tracking devices and methods to attach them for long periods. We used sutures to attach miniature global positioning system (GPS) tags and data loggers that recorded light levels, activity, and temperature to male hoary bats (Lasiurus cinereus). Results from recovered GPS tags illustrated profound differences among movement patterns by individuals, including one that completed a >1000 km round-trip journey during October 2014. Data loggers allowed us to record sub-hourly patterns

SUBMITTER: Weller TJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5048302 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature