Abstract
Roost location is a key factor affecting the survival and fitness of British bats. It has been suggested that a knowledge and understanding of the factors which may influence the selection of roost location are fundamental to conservation efforts. Our study aims to investigate the relationship betweenEptesicus serotinusroost location and landscape structure. The study is based in the Sussex region of South East England. The landscape characteristics of 97 roosts locations were compared against 100 random control locations. Habitat analysis was carried out at three distance bands and included an analysis of roost density. The results indicate thatE. serotinusis selective in locating roosts. The study demonstrates that there are significant differences between the landscape composition surrounding roost sites and the wider landscape. In particular,E. serotinusroost sites are found to be located in areas with a significantly higher cover of arable land and improved grassland. Kernel density analysis was successfully used as an additional method to the direct comparison of roost neighbourhood composition. Density analysis identified the location and characteristics of possible centres ofE. serotinusactivity. It is anticipated that the findings will enable the needs of bats to be considered in future landscape conservation initiatives and development policies.
Highlights
Studies have shown that bat species occurrence and breeding success can be negatively affected by anthropogenic changes to landscapes (e.g., [1,2,3,4])
All British bats and their roosts are protected by UK legislation and EU law, protection is not extended to foraging sites
Roost location is widely recognised to be a key factor in determining the survival and fitness of British bats
Summary
Studies have shown that bat species occurrence and breeding success can be negatively affected by anthropogenic changes to landscapes (e.g., [1,2,3,4]). Landscape changes can negatively affect biodiversity and individual species distribution patterns [7] and lead to decreased bat populations [3]. All British bats and their roosts are protected by UK legislation and EU law, protection is not extended to foraging sites. This leaves bats vulnerable to landscape change [9] and has prompted some authors to comment that protection of roosts is of limited value without simultaneous protection of the surrounding habitat and prey base [2, 10]. Knowledge of individual species habitat requirements is essential for developing appropriate management plans for protecting foraging habitats and the successful conservation of bat species
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