Publication details
The emergence activity of serotine bat and its changes due to predation risk and climatic factors
| Authors | |
|---|---|
| Year of publication | 1999 |
| Type | Article in Proceedings |
| Conference | Abstracts of VIIth European Bat Research Symposium, 23.-27.8.1999 |
| MU Faculty or unit | |
| Citation | |
| Field | Zoology |
| Keywords | chiropterology; emergence activity; predation risk; climatic factors; bats; Chiroptera |
| Description | A total of 34 observations of emergence activity were made from April to August 1997 and 1998 at a maternity colony of serotine bats (Eptesicus serotinus) in Střelice u Brna, Czech Republic. The time of first emergence and the median of emergence were strongly correlated with sunset. Mean emergence time was 5,2 min after sunset. After parturition the duration of emergence was prolonged and the emergence ended later. Cloud cover, wind speed and relative humidity had no effect on parameters of emergence. The number of emerged bats and the duration of emergence were positively affected by the temperature. The number of emerged bats was significantly negatively correlated with barometric pressure. To study antipredator responses in emergence activity of serotine, a stuffed barn owl (Tyto alba) was used as a predator model and placed close to roost exits on 7 nights in 1997. A stuffed common kestrel (Falco tinnunculus) was used on 7 nights in 1998. Both predator models associated with their calls did not cause changes of any parameter of emergence activity. 91% of emergences were clustered. However, clustering did not increase during the presence of the stuffed owl or kestrel. |