FORAGING ACTIVITY OF ADULT FEMALE OZARK BIG-EARED BATS (PLECOTUS-TOWNSENDII-INGENS) IN SUMMER

Foraging activity of the endangered Ozark big-eared bat (Plecotus town sendii ingens) was studied in June and July 1988. Adult females were e quipped with radiotransmitters and tracked during lactation. Bats fora ged various directions from the maternity cave and demonstrated consid erable site specificity. Females went on three feeding bouts during ea rly lactation and returned to the maternity cave after each. Number of nightly visits to the cave decreased as offspring matured, and by lat e July, females exited after sunset and did not return until sunrise. Average distances to foraging sites also increased as lactation progre ssed. Individuals used from one to four foraging sites. Ozark big-eare d bats did not use habitats randomly; edge habitats of intermittent st reams and mountain slopes were used more than expected based upon rela tive availability of habitats.