20th Annual Student Research Conference
Science
Summer Roosting Ecology of the Endangered Indiana Bat (Myotis sodalis) in Northeastern Missouri
Shannan N. Schoening
Dr. Scott Burt, Faculty Mentor
The Indiana bat (Myotis sodalis) is a federally endangered species with distributions in Missouri. It is suspected that changes in the habitat of these bats are adversely affecting population size. Indiana bats over-winter in caves, and significant efforts have been made to help preserve populations of this endangered bat by protecting these winter hibernacula. However, less is known about summer roosting habits of Indiana bats. To better understand habitat requirements, especially for maternity colonies, two juvenile M. sodalis were captured, identified, radio-tagged, and tracked to their roost trees. Five trees were identified and included a pin oak and a maple. Roost sites were exposed to direct sunlight during most of the day, were typically dead or dying, had loose bark, and had access to a nearby water source. In addition to obtaining data for the Indiana bat, two evening bats were tracked to their roosts and relevant data were collected.
Keywords: Bats, Roosting
Topic(s):Biology
Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: 11-5
Location: VH 1408
Time: 9:15 am