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Discovery of bat diet through guano analysis in Northern Alabama.

Discovery of bat diet through guano analysis in Northern Alabama. Paul Kobe Mentor: Dr. Wes Stone. Objectives. Document diets of insectivorous bats in Northern Alabama Determine if diets differ significantly by species or location

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Discovery of bat diet through guano analysis in Northern Alabama.

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  1. Discovery of bat diet through guano analysis in Northern Alabama. • Paul Kobe • Mentor: Dr. Wes Stone

  2. Objectives • Document diets of insectivorous bats in Northern Alabama • Determine if diets differ significantly by species or location • Discover if captive wild bats could survive in an artificial environment, and to observe their foraging habits

  3. Study Area • Bankhead National Forest • Riparian Areas • Treatments: • 2 control • 3 thinned • 3 thinned and burned

  4. Netting Two 12 meter mist nets across stream Approximately 30 yards apart

  5. Netting Tri-Colored Bat (Perimyotis subflavus) Northern Long-Eared Myotis (Myotis septentrionalis) Eastern Red Bat (Lasiurus borealis) Evening Bat (Nycticeious humeralis)

  6. Netting

  7. Measurements • Bats were weighed with a spring scale • Measurements of ear and forearm length were taken with calipers • Sex was determined

  8. Guano Analysis • Tools used: Microscope, micro-probe, tweezers, alcohol, slides • Guano placed on slides and examined under microscope • Ten point grid for statistical analysis

  9. Guano Analysis Results

  10. Statistical Analysis Three test areas: 1. Orders of insect prey preferred by bat species 2. Orders of insect prey preferred by bat species in one location 3. Orders of insect prey preferred by a single bat species in multiple locations Chi-Square Test

  11. Reference Sampling Time Area Statistical Analysis

  12. Statistical Analysis 3

  13. Chi-Square Test Statistical Analysis 3

  14. Chi-Square Test • Expected Values: Column sum x Row sum / Total sum • Chi-Square Values: (O-E)2 / E • p-value: Chi-Square Table

  15. Chi-Square Values 1 Chi-Square Values 2 Statistical Analysis 1. Chi-Square Statistic=139.5 Degrees of Freedom=18 p-value= < 0.0005 2. Chi-Square Statistic=93.89 Degrees of Freedom=12 p-value= < 0.0005 3. Chi-Square Statistic=53.465 Degrees of Freedom=8 p-value= < 0.0005 All three tests have p-values < 0.0005 showing a definite correlation between insect type and bat species/location

  16. Artificial Habitat • Wooden enclosure approximately 4x3x3 ft. • 1/4 inch wire mesh on one wall • 11 bats tested in all • Eastern Red 36 hrs • Tri-Colored and N. Long-Eared Myotis 2-3 days • Evening Bat 7-9 days

  17. Artificial Feeding • Three attempted procedures: • Put captured insects in with bats • Put enclosure next to open window • Take enclosure outside

  18. Habitat Results • Bats were not able to survive long enough to make valid observations. • Possible adjustments: • Larger enclosure • Keep enclosure outdoors • Running water

  19. Other Experience • Mammal trapping • Aquatic sampling • Habitat quality

  20. Acknowledgements • Mentor/Advisor: Dr. Wes Stone • Insect ID: Heather Howell • Statistical Analyses: Paul Kobe (Senior)

  21. References • Findley, James S. 1993. Bats A Community Perspective. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, Great Britain. • Johnson, Norman F. and C. A. Triplehorn 2004. Borror and DeLong’s Introduction to the Study of Insects, 7th edition. Brooks/Cole Publishing Company, Pacific Grove, CA. • Bat Conservation International. 2009. Species and Profiles. (http://www.batcon.org/index.php/all-about-bats/species-profiles.html) Accessed 2009 July 19

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