Document Type
Thesis - University Access Only
Award Date
2007
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department / School
Biology and Microbiology
Abstract
Mist netting, and acoustic surveys for bats were conducted along the Missouri River and it's tributaries in South Dakota during 2005 and 2006. Seventeen areas were sampled, fifteen of which had not be previous surveyed. One hundred sixty-three bats were captured, representing 7 species. Distribution, morphometric, reproductive, recapture, and capture rate data for the region are presented. As a result Lasiurus cinereus and Lasionycteris noctivagans are likely summer residents in the region, and Myotis ciliolabrnm may be present. Species accumulation curves were compiled for eight areas that were repeatedly sampled. Two asymptotic models were fitted to these curves to estimate the effort required to determine bat species richness. The species accumulation models fit capture data well (r2 > 0.7681). The resulting recommended minimum sampling effort is 284 net-hours: approximately 5 nets set up for 4 hours for 14 nights or 70 net-nights. A minimum-effort guideline is important due to the status of bats, the need for better management, and the pervasiveness of short-term predevelopment surveys by wind energy companies in this region. It is concluded, however, that minimum-effort should not be the goal. Radio-tagging/tracking was also conducted. The roosting habits/behavior of six species is presented. Selectivity of different roost characteristics varied among species but the dominate tree selected was Populus monilifera. Homerange and habitat selection analyses were conducted for Myotis septentrionalis and Eptesicus fuscus. The use and importance of gallery forest is likely underestimated. This habitat is important for bats in the region and should be a conservation priority.
Library of Congress Subject Headings
Bats -- South Dakota -- Geographical distribution
Bats -- Monitoring -- South Dakota
Bats -- Migration -- South Dakota
Bats -- Habitat -- Missouri River
Format
application/pdf
Number of Pages
183
Publisher
South Dakota State University
Recommended Citation
Bales, Brandon Terry, "Regional Distribution and Monitoring of Bats, Especially Species of Conservation Concern, Along the lower Missouri River in South Dakota" (2007). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 1364.
https://openprairie.sdstate.edu/etd2/1364