Bs. Clark et al., FORAGING ACTIVITY OF ADULT FEMALE OZARK BIG-EARED BATS (PLECOTUS-TOWNSENDII-INGENS) IN SUMMER, Journal of mammalogy, 74(2), 1993, pp. 422-427
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.