HABITAT AROUND MATERNITY ROOSTS OF THE 55 KHZ PHONIC TYPE OF PIPISTRELLE BATS (PIPISTRELLUS-PIPISTRELLUS)

We quantified the percentage cover of habitats and the extent of linea r features within 2 km of 11 maternity roosts of the 55 kHz phonic typ e of pipistelles Pipistrellus pipistrellus in south-west England, and compared these with habitats around random points. The dominant habita ts around both roosts and random points were improved grassland and bu ilt-up areas. There was significantly more water (especially water edg e habitat with woodland or hedgerow on the banks), and continuous hedg erow with emergent trees, around roosts. Preference for freshwater hab itats around roosts was shown in comparisons of single habitats, and i n compositional analyses with and without the inclusion of urbanized r andom points. These habitats may be preferred by 55 kHz pipistrelles: riparian habitats support large numbers of flying insects of the types eaten by 55 kHz pipistrelles, and hedgerows may be important linear f eatures used by bats. The conservation of continuous hedgerows and wat ercourses close to maternity roosts would appear to be very important for 55 kHz pipistrelles.