Bat Behavioral Response To Avian Predators & Expansion Of Acoustic Surveying For Bat Activity And Species Richness In Western New York

Authors: Rachel Echevarria, Karry Kazial

SUNY Campus: SUNY Fredonia

Presentation Type: Poster

Location: Old Union Hall

Presentation #: 19

Timeslot: Session D 3:00-4:00 PM

Abstract: Acoustic surveys at new site locations allow us to gather valuable information on bat activity and species richness. This knowledge is crucial for understanding the biodiversity and ecological health of new sites. Our objective was also to determine bat response to avian predators through playback in the field and lab. Bat survey methods included six markers placed 100 meters apart at 2 sites (Penn Dixie Fossil Park and Nature Preserve & The Nature Sanctuary Society of Western New York - Alexander Preserve). Three surveys were conducted at each site before playback trials to determine presence of bats. Surveys were performed 30 min after sunset and lasted 60 min, with 10 min of recording at each marker. Four playback trials were conducted in pseudorandom order in the field and lab. Bat response data included recording bat calls in the field and lab with additional behavioral measures observed during lab trials. A stationary audible recorder was placed at the midpoint of the stakes and six feet up a tree at both sites. These recorders were active for one week before and one week after the trials at each site to determine the presence of owl species. The lab data are particularly interesting because there are few, if any, studies examining the response of bats to predators in the lab.