Vegetative Structure and Land Use Relative to Cave Selection by Endangered Ozark Big-Eared Bats (Corynorhinus townsendii ingens)

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Publication Date

June 1997

Abstract

Habitat was evaluated surrounding occupied, sporadically occupied, and unoccupied caves within the range of the endangered Ozark big-eared bat (Corynorhinus townsendii ingens) in eastern Oklahoma. Vegetative structure of the habitat immediately surrounding caves was assessed in 0.04-ha circular plots. Types of habitats and land use within 3 km of caves were determined by interpretation of color infrared aerial photography and analysis of digitized cover types in a geographic information system (GIS). Few differences were documented for vegetative parameters that were measured. Habitat and land-use types surrounding occupied (maternity and hibernacula) and unoccupied caves did not differ. Based on these and previous findings, the surface habitat surrounding caves does not appear to be significant in cave selection by this subspecies in eastern Oklahoma.

Keywords

Caves, Bats, Habitat Selection, Wildlife Habitats, Overstory, Forest Habitats, Wildlife Management, Leaves, Density

Document Type

Article

Notes

The Southwestern Naturalist, Vol. 42, no. 2 (1997-06-01).

Identifier

SFS0039919_00001

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