Echolocation Calls and Patterns of Hunting and Habitiat Use of Bats (Microchiroptera) from Chillagoe, North Queensland

Abstract

The search phase echolocation calls of 12 species of microchiropteran bats were studied in the vicinity of Chillagoe. Different species were recognizable by their calls, and differences in patterns of change in frequency over time. frequencies, and call durations were useful in identifying bats in the field. Some species (Nyctophilus bifax, Hipposideros diadema, and Rhinolophus megaphyllus) made short flights from perches to intercept flying insects. while others flew continuously while hunting, reacting to targets at short (c. 1m; Eptesicus pumilus, Nycticeius balstoni) or long (over 2 m; Chalinolobus nigrogriseus, Taphozous georgiunus, the two molossids) range. By sampling echolocation calls it was possible to obtain some measure of habitat use by different species. The results are compared to data from sites in North America and Africa.