Concluding Remarks: What Do We Need To Know About Bats in Northwestern North America?

Abstract

Abstract After being virtually ignored, bats in northwestern Canada and Alaska have recently been subject to increasing attention by scientists, resource managers, and the public. We review recent advances in bat research in the region and identify key priorities for future research, including what we believe is needed to provide a more coordinated approach to filling in these knowledge gaps. Our knowledge of the diversity and distribution of bats has improved considerably as a result of dedicated survey efforts. Scientists have provided a tantalizing glimpse into the natural history and ecology of bats in far northwestern North America and some of the unexpected adaptations they exhibit in response to the challenges imposed by northern environments. Despite these recent advances, further work is required to document the distribution of bats in the region; identify key summer roosting habitats and hibernacula; assess population status and trends; evaluate the impact of anthropogenic change and develop mit...