| dc.description.abstract | Bats are an ecologically diverse order and important contributors to natural ecosystems. Despite their importance, detailed information on the ecology of bats is limited within the southern portion of Texas where most species found throughout the United States are located. My objective was to provide a basic understanding of the frequency of occurrence and vegetation preference by South Texas bats to aid in their management and conservation. I monitored 7 resident bat species: Evening bat (Nycticeius humeralis), Eastern red bat (Lasiurus borealis), Hoary bat (Lasiurus cinereus), Northern yellow bat (Lasiurus intermedius), Mexican free-tailed bat (Tadarida brasiliensis), Tri-colored bat (Perimyotis subflavus), and the Cave myotis bat (Myotis velifer) in the Texas Coastal Plains of South Texas at the El Sauz Ranch (East Foundation) throughout February-July 2022. Acoustic data were collected using acoustic monitors and the data for 25 unique nights at 25 distinct sampling locations, within 3 vegetation groups were obtained. The three vegetation groups used in my study included woodland/shrubland, rangeland/wetland, and sand. A total of 20,518 sound files were used in my analysis revealing use showed a preference for the woodland/shrubland composition with a vegetation-selection ratio of S=4.56 as well as the sand composition (S=3.01), and avoidance for the rangeland/wetland composition (S=0.35). Management practices should focus on landscape heterogeneity with a notation on the importance of conserving native woodland/shrubland areas. | |
