ORCA General Poster Session (Virtual)
Increase in bat use of Brandenbark TM poles over time in western Kentucky
Academic Level at Time of Presentation
Sophomore
Major
WIldlife and Conservation Biology
2nd Student Academic Level at Time of Presentation
Senior
2nd Student Major
Wildlife and Conservation Biology
3rd Student Academic Level at Time of Presentation
Faculty/Staff
List all Project Mentors & Advisor(s)
Terry L. Derting
Presentation Format
Poster Presentation
Abstract/Description
BrandenBark™ is a type of artificial roost structure used to provide increased roosting habitat for tree-dwelling bat species, many of which exhibit limited use of other types of artificial roost structures. BrandenBark™ roost structures (BRS) were installed near to known Indiana bat (Myotis sodalis) maternity colonies in four locations in western Kentucky. Our goal was to monitor the occupancy of BRSs by bats in the first few years after their installation. We examined each BRS for occupancy approximately biweekly during summer after installation in 2017 through 2019. Occupancy was determined by the presence of guano in guano catchers that were installed near the base of each pole and by listening for bat calls. Temperature and canopy cover were measured each visit. There was a significant increase in the occupancy of the BRSs from 16% occupancy (n=3/18) in 2017, 39% (n=7/18) in 2018, to 85% (n=17/20) in 2019. Neither canopy cover nor ambient temperature differed significantly between occupied and unoccupied BRSs. Based on our results, wildlife managers may be able to expect occupancy rates of 50% or more by bats during the summer two years post BRS installation.
Spring Scholars Week 2020 Event
Sigma Xi Poster Competition
Increase in bat use of Brandenbark TM poles over time in western Kentucky
BrandenBark™ is a type of artificial roost structure used to provide increased roosting habitat for tree-dwelling bat species, many of which exhibit limited use of other types of artificial roost structures. BrandenBark™ roost structures (BRS) were installed near to known Indiana bat (Myotis sodalis) maternity colonies in four locations in western Kentucky. Our goal was to monitor the occupancy of BRSs by bats in the first few years after their installation. We examined each BRS for occupancy approximately biweekly during summer after installation in 2017 through 2019. Occupancy was determined by the presence of guano in guano catchers that were installed near the base of each pole and by listening for bat calls. Temperature and canopy cover were measured each visit. There was a significant increase in the occupancy of the BRSs from 16% occupancy (n=3/18) in 2017, 39% (n=7/18) in 2018, to 85% (n=17/20) in 2019. Neither canopy cover nor ambient temperature differed significantly between occupied and unoccupied BRSs. Based on our results, wildlife managers may be able to expect occupancy rates of 50% or more by bats during the summer two years post BRS installation.