Source: AUBURN UNIVERSITY submitted to NRP
ECOLOGY OF BATS (MAMMALIA: CHIROPTERA) IN ALABAMA
Sponsoring Institution
National Institute of Food and Agriculture
Project Status
COMPLETE
Funding Source
HATCH
Reporting Frequency
Annual
Accession No.
0217381
Grant No.
(N/A)
Cumulative Award Amt.
(N/A)
Proposal No.
(N/A)
Multistate No.
(N/A)
Project Start Date
Oct 1, 2009
Project End Date
Sep 30, 2014
Grant Year
(N/A)
Program Code
[(N/A)]- (N/A)
Recipient Organization
AUBURN UNIVERSITY
108 M. WHITE SMITH HALL
AUBURN,AL 36849
Performing Department
Biological Sciences
Non Technical Summary
The proposed research will ascertain geographic distribution and habitats occupied by bats in Alabama and will provide insight into interactions between agricultural and natural systems in terms of the environment, ecosystems, and natural resources. This will be accomplished by summarizing existing distributional data, obtaining new records of occurrence, and by determining what habitats are occupied by each species of bat in Alabama.
Animal Health Component
(N/A)
Research Effort Categories
Basic
(N/A)
Applied
(N/A)
Developmental
(N/A)
Classification

Knowledge Area (KA)Subject of Investigation (SOI)Field of Science (FOS)Percent
1360830106040%
1360830107040%
1360860106010%
1360860107010%
Knowledge Area
136 - Conservation of Biological Diversity;

Subject Of Investigation
0830 - Wild animals; 0860 - Endangered species;

Field Of Science
1060 - Biology (whole systems); 1070 - Ecology;
Goals / Objectives
The purpose of the proposed research is to examine the current distribution, relative abundance, and ecological requirements of bats in Alabama by addressing two specific objectives: 1) determine geographic distribution and relative abundance of bats in Alabama; 2) determine habitats used by bats in Alabama.
Project Methods
In addition to review of the literature and museum specimens, a significant source of distributional data will be obtained from bats submitted to the Alabama Department of Public Health. Continued cooperation of the Alabama Department of Public Health will be solicited to obtain additional specimens of bats submitted to their laboratories for testing. Each year several hundred bats are tested for the presence of rabies virus. These bats are obtained statewide and once appropriate tissues are removed, specimens are made available for our study. Data for specific collecting localities will be plotted onto maps of habitats to ascertain frequency of occurrence within various types of habitats. If enough data are accumulated, GIS will be used to statistically assess habitat characteristics for each species of bat with adequate data.

Progress 10/01/09 to 09/30/14

Outputs
Target Audience: Nothing Reported Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Nothing Reported How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Nothing Reported What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Nothing Reported

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? The primary emphasis of AAES research has involved the ecology of bats (Mammalia: Chiroptera) and other mammals in Alabama and the ecology of birds and mammals in New Mexico and Mexico. Several projects were completed in 2014. Heteromyid rodents (kangaroo rats and pocket mice) of Mexico--Significance: this was part of the first comprehensive review of mammals of Mexico published in English. Bats of Colima, Mexico--Significance: this was the first assessment of the bat fauna of the state of Colima, Mexico, including a review of ecological requirements and conservation status of these species. Mammals of Alabama--Significance: this project summarized what is known about the biology of all 80 species of mammals that occur, have occurred in the recent past, or are expected to occur in the state.

Publications


    Progress 10/01/13 to 09/30/14

    Outputs
    Target Audience: Nothing Reported Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Nothing Reported How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Nothing Reported What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Some projects are in progress. Ecology and distribution of bats in Alabama--Significance: this cooperative research between the Alabama departments of Conservation and Public Health and the AAES seeks to ascertain the geographic and chronological distribution of bats within the state. Analysis of diet to determine resources used during colder months by silver-haired bats (Lasionycteris noctivagans) and eastern red bats (Lasiurus borealis) in Alabama--Significance: this is the first study to examine diet of these migratory bats that come to Alabama in autumn. Continuing studies of mammals of Alabama--Significance: this project will continue to gather information about what is known about the biology of all 80 species of mammals that occur, have occurred in the recent past, or are expected to occur in the state. Lesser prairie chicken (Tympanuchus pallidicinctus) in southeastern New Mexico--Significance: this project focuses on geographic distribution and reasons for decline in populations of threatened species.

    Impacts
    What was accomplished under these goals? The primary emphasis of AAES research has involved the ecology of bats (Mammalia: Chiroptera) and other mammals in Alabama and the ecology of birds and mammals in New Mexico and Mexico. Several projects were completed in 2014. Heteromyid rodents (kangaroo rats and pocket mice) of Mexico--Significance: this was part of the first comprehensive review of mammals of Mexico published in English. Bats of Colima, Mexico--Significance: this was the first assessment of the bat fauna of the state of Colima, Mexico, including a review of ecological requirements and conservation status of these species. Mammals of Alabama--Significance: this project summarized what is known about the biology of all 80 species of mammals that occur, have occurred in the recent past, or are expected to occur in the state.

    Publications

    • Type: Books Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Best, T. L., and J. L. Dusi. 2014. Mammals of Alabama. The University of Alabama Press, Tuscaloosa, xviii + 496 pp. Ceballos, G., and T. L. Best, editors. 2014. Family Heteromyidae. Pages 196-244 in Mammals of Mexico (G. Ceballos, editor). The Johns Hopkins University Press, Baltimore, Maryland, 957 pp. Dute, R. R., L. A. Bowen, S. Schier, A. G. Vevon, T. L. Best, M. Auad, T. Elder, P. Bouche, and S. Jansen. 2014. Pit membranes of Ephedra resemble gymnosperms more than angiosperms. International Association of Wood Anatomists Journal, 35:217-235.


    Progress 01/01/13 to 09/30/13

    Outputs
    Target Audience: Nothing Reported Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Nothing Reported How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Nothing Reported What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Some projects are in progress. Ecology and distribution of bats in Alabama--Significance: this cooperative research between the Alabama departments of Conservation and Public Health and the AAES seeks to ascertain the geographic and chronological distribution of bats within the state. Analysis of diet to determine resources used during colder months by silver-haired bats (Lasionycteris noctivagans) and eastern red bats (Lasiurus borealis) in Alabama--Significance: this is the first study to examine diet of these migratory bats that come to Alabama in autumn. Continuing studies of mammals of Alabama--Significance: this project will summarize what is known about the biology of all 80 species of mammals that occur, have occurred in the recent past, or are expected to occur in the state. Lesser prairie chicken (Tympanuchus pallidicinctus) in southeastern New Mexico--Significance: this project focuses on geographic distribution and reasons for decline in populations of this proposed threatened species.

    Impacts
    What was accomplished under these goals? The primary emphasis of AAES research has involved the ecology of bats (Mammalia: Chiroptera) and other mammals in Alabama and the ecology of birds and mammals in New Mexico and Mexico. Several projects were completed in 2013. Demographic features and habitat preferences of Osgoodomys banderanus (Osgood’s deermouse) in Colima, Mexico--Significance: this was the first detailed assessment of ecological requirements of this species. Demographic features, distribution, and habitat selection of the gray mouse opossum (Tlacuatzin canescens) in Colima, Mexico--Significance: this was the first detailed assessment of ecological requirements of this species.

    Publications

    • Type: Theses/Dissertations Status: Accepted Year Published: 2013 Citation: Gilley, L. M. 2013. Discovery and characterization of high-frequency calls in North American flying squirrels (Glaucomys sabrinus and G. volans): implications for ecology, behavior, and conservation. Ph.D. dissertation, Auburn University, Alabama, 80 pp.
    • Type: Theses/Dissertations Status: Accepted Year Published: 2013 Citation: McWilliams, L. A. 2013. Ecological assessments of the lesser prairie-chicken (Tympanuchus pallidicinctus) in southeastern New Mexico. Ph.D. dissertation, Auburn University, Alabama, 176 pp.
    • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Kennedy, M. L., G. D. Schnell, M. de L. Romero-Almaraz, B. S. Malakouti, C. S�nchez-Hern�ndez, T. L. Best, and M. C. Wooten. 2013. Demographic features, distribution, and habitat selection of the gray mouse opossum (Tlacuatzin canescens) in Colima, Mexico. Acta Theriologica, 58:285-298.
    • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Poindexter, C. J., G. D. Schnell, C. S�nchez-Hern�ndez, M. de L. Romero-Almaraz, M. L. Kennedy, T. L. Best, and M. C. Wooten. 2013. Demographic features and habitat preferences of Osgoodomys banderanus (Osgoods deermouse) in Colima, Mexico. The Southwestern Naturalist, 58:8-19.


    Progress 01/01/12 to 12/31/12

    Outputs
    OUTPUTS: The primary emphasis of AAES research has involved the ecology of bats (Mammalia: Chiroptera) and other mammals in Alabama and the ecology of birds and mammals in New Mexico and Mexico. Several projects have been completed in 2012. Co-occurrence of small mammals in a tropical dry deciduous forest: comparisons of communities and individual species in Colima, Mexico. Some projects are in progress. Ecology and distribution of bats in Alabama. Analysis of diet to determine resources used during colder months by silver-haired bats (Lasionycteris noctivagans) and eastern red bats (Lasiurus borealis) in Alabama. Continuing studies of mammals of Alabama. Lesser prairie chicken (Tympanuchus pallidicinctus) in southeastern New Mexico. PARTICIPANTS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period. TARGET AUDIENCES: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.

    Impacts
    Co-occurrence of small mammals in a tropical dry deciduous forest: comparisons of communities and individual species in Colima, Mexico--Significance: this was the first detailed assessment of community structure and ecological requirements of these species. Ecology and distribution of bats in Alabama--Significance: this cooperative research between the Alabama departments of Conservation and Public Health and the AAES seeks to ascertain the geographic and chronological distribution of bats within the state. Analysis of diet to determine resources used during colder months by silver-haired bats (Lasionycteris noctivagans) and eastern red bats (Lasiurus borealis) in Alabama--Significance: this is the first study to examine diet of these migratory bats that come to Alabama in autumn. Continuing studies of mammals of Alabama--Significance: this project will summarize what is known about the biology of all 80 species of mammals that occur, have occurred in the recent past, or are expected to occur in the state. Lesser prairie chicken (Tympanuchus pallidicinctus) in southeastern New Mexico--Significance: this project focuses on geographic distribution and reasons for decline in populations of this proposed threatened species.

    Publications

    • Ortman, B. A. 2012. Habitat associations of birds in northern Alabama. M.S. thesis, Auburn University, Alabama, 120 pp.
    • Poindexter, C. J., G. D. Schnell, C. Sanchez-Hernandez, M. de L. Romero-Almaraz, M. L. Kennedy, T. L. Best, M. C. Wooten, and R. D. Owen. 2012. Variation in habitat use of coexisting rodent species in tropical dry deciduous forest. Mammalian Biology, 77:249-257.
    • Poindexter, C. J., G. D. Schnell, C. Sanchez-Hernandez, M. de L. Romero-Almaraz, M. L. Kennedy, T. L. Best, M. C. Wooten, R. D. Owen. 2012. Co-occurrence of small mammals in a tropical dry deciduous forest: comparisons of communities and individual species in Colima, Mexico. Journal of Tropical Ecology, 28:65-72.
    • Best, T. L. 2012. Index to volume 57 of The Southwestern Naturalist. The Southwestern Naturalist, 57:502-516.


    Progress 01/01/11 to 12/31/11

    Outputs
    OUTPUTS: Completed phases have been published in peer-reviewed scientific literature. PARTICIPANTS: Partner organizations include Alabama Department of Natural Resources and Alabama Department of Public Health. TARGET AUDIENCES: In Bats of the United States and Canada, scientists and others are presented with summaries concerning all species of bats north of Mexico, threats to populations of bats, and conservation concerns regarding bats. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.

    Impacts
    The primary emphasis of AAES research has involved the ecology of bats (Mammalia: Chiroptera) and other mammals in Alabama and the ecology of birds and mammals in New Mexico and Mexico. Several projects have been completed in 2011. Co-occurrence of small mammals in a tropical dry deciduous forest: comparisons of communities and individual species in Colima, Mexico--Significance: this was the first detailed assessment of community structure and ecological requirements of these species. Bats of the United States and Canada--Significance: this book summarizes information on all 47 species of bats that occur in this area and presents information on conservation and threats. Review of the biology of the rock pocket mouse (Chaetodipus intermedius)--Significance: this project summarizes all that is known about this species and will be published to provide access to the summary and literature concerning this species.

    Publications

    • Harvey, M. J., J. S. Altenbach, and T. L. Best. 2011. Bats of the United States and Canada. The Johns Hopkins University Press, Baltimore, Maryland, 204 pp.
    • Dellinger, J.A. 2011. Foraging and spatial ecology of red wolves (Canis rufus) in northeastern North Carolina. M.S. thesis, Auburn University, Alabama, 93 pp.
    • Best, T. L. 2011. Index to volumes 47 through 56 (2002-2011) of The Southwestern Naturalist. The Southwestern Naturalist, 56:473-598.


    Progress 01/01/10 to 12/31/10

    Outputs
    OUTPUTS: Completed phases have been published in peer-reviewed scientific literature. PARTICIPANTS: Not relevant to this project. TARGET AUDIENCES: Not relevant to this project. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.

    Impacts
    The primary emphasis of AAES research has involved the ecology of bats (Mammalia: Chiroptera) and other mammals in Alabama and the ecology of birds and mammals in New Mexico and Mexico. Several projects have been completed in 2009-2010. Demographic features and habitat preferences of vesper rats (Nyctomys sumichrasti) in Mexico--Significance: this was the first detailed assessment of population structure and ecological requirements of this species. Habitat preference of the west Mexican cotton rat (Sigmodon mascotensis)--Significance: this was the first detailed ecological study of this species. Review of the biology of the four-toed hedgehog (Atelerix albiventris)--Significance: this project summarized all that is known about this species and was published to provide access to the summary and literature concerning this species. Some projects are in progress. Bats of the United States and Canada--Significance: this book will provide a summary of what is known about bats north of Mexico. Ecology and distribution of bats in Alabama--Significance: this cooperative research between the Alabama departments of Conservation and Public Health and the AAES seeks to ascertain the geographic and chronological distribution of bats within the state. Analysis of diet to determine resources used during colder months by silver-haired bats (Lasionycteris noctivagans) and eastern red bats (Lasiurus borealis) in Alabama--Significance: this is the first study to examine diet of these migratory bats that come to Alabama in autumn. Continuing studies of mammals of Alabama--Significance: this project will summarize what is known about the biology of species of mammals that occur in Alabama. Lesser prairie chicken (Tympanuchus pallidicinctus) in southeastern New Mexico--Significance: this project focuses on geographic distribution and reasons for decline in populations of this proposed threatened species.

    Publications

    • Schnell, G. D., M. Romero-Almaraz, S. T. Martinez-Chapital, C. Sanchez-Hernandez, M. L. Kennedy, T. L. Best, M. C. Wooten, and R. D. Owen. 2010. Habitat use and demographic characteristics of the west Mexican cotton rat (Sigmodon mascotensis). Mammalia, 74:379-393.
    • Hunt, J. L., and T. L. Best. 2010. Vegetative characters of active and abandoned leks of lesser prairie-chickens (Tympanuchus pallidicinctus) in southeastern New Mexico. The Southwestern Naturalist, 55:477-487.
    • Santana, E. M., H. E. Jantz, and T. L. Best. 2010. Atelerix albiventris (Erinaceomorpha: Erinaceidae). Mammalian Species, 42(857):99-110.
    • Schnell, G. D., E. A. Abreu, C. Sanchez-Hernandez, M. L. Romero-Almaraz, M. L. Kennedy, T. L. Best, and M. L. Wooten. 2010. Microhabitat preferences and spatial distribution of the vesper rat (Nyctomys sumichrasti) in Colima, Mexico. Mammalian Biology, 75:482-495.


    Progress 01/01/09 to 12/31/09

    Outputs
    OUTPUTS: None to date. PARTICIPANTS: Partner organizations include Alabama Department of Natural Resources and Alabama Department of Public Health. TARGET AUDIENCES: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.

    Impacts
    Data for 2009 have been collected from specimens provided by the Alabama Department of Public Health. These data include collection locality, species, age, and sex of bats. Similar data will be collected for 2010.

    Publications

    • No publications reported this period