FORAGING HABITAT OF THE INDIANA BAT (MYOTIS SODALIS) AT AN URBAN–RURAL INTERFACE

Abstract

We captured 11 Myotis sodalis and radiotracked them to foraging areas near Indianapolis International Airport during summer 2002. A series (3–7) of multiazimuth triangulations was used to obtain an estimate of the location of each bat throughout the night. Compositional analysis was used to compare habitat that bats used to available habitat at 2 spatial scales. At both spatial scales, bats preferentially used woodlands over other available habitats (especially developed habitats). These findings suggest that suburban development may negatively impact M. sodalis by limiting foraging options. Many conservation plans aimed at protecting bats exclusively target roosting sites. Although roost conservation should continue to be central in efforts to protect bats, available foraging habitat also should be considered.