Resource partitioning in three syntopic forest-dwelling European bat species (Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae)

Abstract

Resource partitioning in syntopic bats is mainly studied through comparative ecomorphology and behavioural ecology. We used simultaneous radio-tracking of syntopic forest-dwelling bats, the western barbastelle (Barbastella barbastellus), Bechstein’s bat (Myotis bechsteinii) and the brown long-eared bat (Plecotus auritus) to analyse individual and species-specific foraging habitat and roost site selection. We estimated niche partitioning through Euclidean distance analyses to landscape elements and through Pianka’s niche overlap index for roost types. We analysed a total of 2278 fixes and 54 roosts of 15 bats. Western barbastelles and Bechstein’s bats foraged significantly closer to the forest than brown long-eared bats. Female barbastelles also foraged significantly closer to forest tracks, which were avoided by female brown long-eared and Bechstein’s bats. Female and male brown long-eared bats were found close to open habitats, which were avoided by the other two species. We found a high niche overlap in terms of roost height, but low overlap in terms of roost type and roost tree species among the three bat species. Individual niche variation may allow these specialised forest-dwelling bat species to minimise competition when foraging and roosting in syntopy.