Spring Migration and Roost Selection of Female Myotis leibii in Maryland

Abstract

Many aspects of the ecology of Myotis leibii (Eastern Small-footed Myotis) are unknown due to the rarity of the species throughout its range in the eastern United States. Few studies have examined Eastern Small-footed Myotis migration and roosting behavior. Until a recent discovery of a population of Eastern Small-footed Myotis using an abandoned railroad tunnel in western Maryland, most observations from the state were limited to records of a few individuals at scattered caves, mines, and tunnels. We used harp traps to capture Eastern Small-footed Myotis at an abandoned railroad tunnel located in Allegany County, in spring 2007. We captured 47 Eastern Small-footed Myotis and equipped four females with radio transmitters. Telemetry revealed that female Eastern Small-footed Myotis migrated ≤ 1.1 km to nearby shale barrens and roosted in rock outcrops of various sizes during spring. Females moved <50 m between successive diurnal roosts, which did not differ from random sites located within the shale barrens in terms of site characteristics. Migratory distances and, consequently, geographic ranges of female Eastern Small-footed Myotis probably are influenced by the availability of hibernacula and roosting sites across the landscape.