Ecological Observations on Lasiurine Bats in Georgia

Abstract

During the period August 8,1955 to June 30,1956, while engaged in wildlife rabies investigations at the Newton Field Station, 12 miles southwest of Newton, Baker County, Georgia, the writer took advantage of occasional opportunities to seek out and observe Lasiurine bats. Time was not available to regularly investigate all potential habitats, but several thousand trees in the major habitats (Norris: Distribution and populations of summer birds in Southwestern Georgia. Univ. of Ga. Press, 1951, pp. 1–67) and in the various orchard types were explored during this period. Bats were first discovered in two areas of similar habitat type in February, and these areas were frequently visited thereafter. Thirteen bats were captured, examined, banded and released. Other bats either escaped or were left undisturbed. A total of 23 bat/day observations were made: 21 Lasiurus seminolus , 1 Lasiurus b. borealis , 1 Dasypterus floridanus . Some bat duplication is included and possibly more than realized. Therefore, the actual number of bats observed is not known. The use in this paper of the names seminolus and floridanus does not imply that the author is convinced of the status of these forms. Habitat —The two areas regularly investigated were moss-laden oak hammocks, occurring in the Dougherty Plains section of the Upper Coastal Plain of southwestern Georgia, the climate of which is characterized by long, warm summers and short, mild winters. Average July daily temperatures range from 80.6 to 82.2°F., average January temperatures from 48.2 to 52.4°. The average dates of first killing frosts are November 9–15, last killing frosts March 10–21. The average annual precipitation is 47.67 to 51.96 inches, being well distributed throughout the year but greatest in July and August, lightest in October and November. Oak hammock No. 1 is an area situated at the western edge of Camilla, Mitchell County, …