No description available.

Urbanization is arguably the most damaging and rapidly expanding threat to biodiversity. The process of urbanization results in the fragmentation of natural habitat into patches that are disjunct and isolated from one another. Biogeography theory predicts that landscape processes, including fragment size and isolation, should predominate in species assembly. However, these predictions have not been tested on African bats in urban landscapes. Bats are important models for urban studies because they comprise more than a fifth of all mammals, and play vital roles as primary, secondary and tertiary consumers that support human-dominated ecosystems. Furthermore, there is evidence that local, biotic processes specifically competition and prey defences are important determinants of species composition patterns. In this study, I investigated the relative influence of local and landscape processes on the species composition patterns of insectivorous bat ensembles in Durban. Using active capture methods and passive monitoring, I sampled the insectivorous bat ensembles of eight nature reserves in Durban between 2008 and 2010. I used multivariate analyses to test predictions from biogeographic and climate hypotheses, and I used null model analyses to test predictions from competition and nestedness hypotheses to determine whether the bat richness patterns were significantly different from patterns expected by chance. Species richness estimators indicated that species inventories for ensembles were fairly complete (i.e. estimated species richness was not much larger than observed species richness). Multiple regression analyses showed that there was a significant parabolic relationship between species evenness and daily maximum temperature, and there was a significant negative relationship between relative activity and reserve shape. However, I found no evidence that competition influenced species composition patterns. Conversely, I found support for the nestedness hypothesis: species in species-poor ensembles were subsets of species in species-rich ensembles. Spearman rank correlation indicated that the degree of nestedness was significantly correlated with maximum temperature. My results suggest that in urban landscapes, abiotic processes operating at the landscape scale may be more important determinants of composition patterns of insectivorous bat species than biotic factors operating at a local scale. Furthermore, bat species that forage in cluttered habitats may not be able to persist in urban landscapes. / Thesis (M.Sc.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville, 2012.

No description available.

Urbanisation is a key driver in the loss, fragmentation and modification of natural habitats resulting in the global loss of biodiversity. As the human population, and consequently the rate of urbanisation, continues to increase exponentially it is important to understand how to sustain and enhance biodiversity within the built environment. Cities comprise a complex assortment of habitat types yet relatively little is known of how its composition and spatial configuration can influence species presence or foraging activities. It is therefore necessary to examine habitat use and biodiversity patterns at multiple spatial scales to fully understand how species are responding to the urban matrix. There are few other orders of animals that are as strongly associated with people as bats (Chiroptera); for some bat species human habitations provide roosts and adaptations of the environment provide food sources. However bat species richness generally declines with increasing urbanisation indicating that many species are not able to persist in highly urbanised areas. In this thesis, I show that the behaviour, habitat preferences, and distribution of bats are strongly influenced by the built environment at both a local and landscape scale. Although many animal species are known to exhibit sex differences in habitat use, adaptability to the urban landscape is commonly examined at the species level without consideration of potential intraspecific differences. I found that female Pipistrellus pygmaeus show greater selectivity in foraging locations within urban woodland in comparison to males at both a local and landscape scale. There was a lower probability of finding females within woodlands which were poorly connected, highly cluttered, with a high edge: interior ratio and fewer mature trees. The results have important implications for our understanding of how to manage areas for breeding females and highlight the need to supplement acoustic monitoring with trapping data to assess sex differences in habitat use. Determining how morphological or behavioural traits can influence species adaptability to the built environment may enable us to improve the effectiveness of conservation efforts. The morphological similarities between P. pygmaeus and P. pipistrellus suggest that both species should respond similarly to the urban matrix, however I found differential habitat use occurring within a variety of urban habitats (e.g. woodland and waterways) and at a landscape scale. In urban woodland there was a higher probability of P. pygmaeus activity relative to P. pipistrellus in woodlands with low clutter and understory cover which were surrounded by low levels of built environment. Many bat species are strongly associated with aquatic or adjacent riparian habitats yet we know little about the utilisation of urban waterways by bats. After surveying urban waterways throughout the UK, I was able to show that the built environment can negatively affect a variety of bat species from the riparian zone up to 3km from a waterway. This indicates that beneficial urban waterway rehabilitation schemes for bats require management at multiple spatial scales, from retaining a vegetated riparian zone at the local scale to highlighting the necessity for conservation funding to be spent on the implementation of landscape scale environmental improvement schemes that encompass the entire urban matrix. Undertaking surveys to confirm species presence or to estimate population sizes can be difficult, particularly for elusive species such as bats. I was able to demonstrate a variety of ways to increase surveying efficiency (e.g. the use of an acoustic lure to increase bat-capture rate) and a significant relationship between bat activity and the relative abundance of certain species of bat which can maximise the knowledge of diversity in an area whilst minimising wildlife disturbances. Urbanisation has also had strong negative effects on many insect groups, such as moths, which are important components of the diets of many bat species. I found that woodland vegetation characteristics were more important than the surrounding landscapes in determining the abundance, species richness, and species diversity of moth assemblages within urban woodland. This indicates that management at a local scale to ensure provision of good quality habitat may be more beneficial for moth populations than improving habitat connectivity across the urban matrix. The findings presented in this thesis have important implications for our understanding of the adaptability of species to the built environment and for the management and monitoring of bat populations. It also highlights that even common bat species are negatively affected by urbanisation and much greater attention should be paid to securing their future within the urban landscape.

Includes copies of author's previously published works / Guano deposits in caves form a rich food resource supporting diverse arthropod communities. Guano piles consist of distinct micro - habitats, fresh, moist, highly basic guano and older, dry, slightly acidic guano. Micro - habitat variation is strongly controlled by seasonal guano deposition that, in turn, effects the structure of arthropod communities. The maternity chamber of Bat Cave, Naracoorte, South Australia, contains extensive guano deposits supporting 38 species from three classes and 12 orders. This community was studied to determine spatial and temporal variation of arthropod communities, and biogeographic relationships between different regions in Australia. Species richness forms a positive linear relationship with pH, in situ moisture content and guano deposition. Many species show strong associations with fresh guano and hence are strongly seasonal, although some species are present throughout the year. Arthropod community structure in winter was found to be more closely related to prior summer arthropod structure than to subsequent seasons. Starlight Cave near Warrnambool, western Victoria, the only other maternity site for Miniopterus schreibersii bassanii, contained 43 species from 39 families and 14 orders. Seven species are common to both caves. The community structure of Starlight Cave was found to be more homogeneous than Bat Cave with samples clustering by season rather than sample year as was the case at Bat Cave. Different cave morphology was found to significantly alter the micro - habitat conditions and, hence, community structure in Starlight Cave compared with Bat Cave. Migration of guano associated arthropods at local, regional and continental scales was assessed using mtDNA and allozyme electrophoresis the pseudoscorpion genus Protochelifer as a model organism. Phylogenetic tree reconstruction revealed a wide geographic distribution of cavernicolous species across southern Australia. Cave colonisation is believed to have occurred only once, followed by dispersal to the Nullarbor Plain and other caves in south - eastern Australia. Dispersal was possibly phoretic on cave bats or occurred prior to aridification of surface environments that currently restricts migration. The distribution of guano - associated arthropods from arid, semi - arid and monsoonal karst areas in Australia are compared with temperate south - eastern Australia. Different climatic areas show large biogeographical differences in community structure, although similar families ( Urodinychidae, Reduviidae, Anobiidae, Carabidae and Tineidae ) are present in many Australian guano communities. Several potential mechanisms of dispersal are discussed including phoresy, colonisation from soil, terrestrial migration and interstitial cavities. Endemism to specific caves cannot be definitely assigned to any species, although 13 species show restricted distribution. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, 2006.

Orientador: Marilies Sazima / Dissertação (mestrado) - Universidade Estadual de Caimpinas, Instituto de Biologia / Made available in DSpace on 2018-08-16T01:40:45Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Scultori_HeddaCarolinaSchmidt_M.pdf: 2997447 bytes, checksum: 55687d0ecdbb611a3dde172c15080a59 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2010 / Resumo: Morcegos formam um grupo diverso, abundante e de grande importância ecológica devido às suas interações com outros organismos e com o ambiente. As interações de morcegos com flores podem resultar em polinização, que, embora rara quando comparada às realizadas por outros grupos animais, tem grande importância na reprodução de várias espécies de plantas. Essas plantas e outros recursos utilizados pelos morcegos ocorrem em diferentes alturas da floresta, onde também variam as características ambientais, podendo influenciar na utilização do espaço vertical por esses mamíferos. O presente estudo buscou descrever a comunidade de morcegos de uma área de Floresta Atlântica no Estado do Paraná, aspectos das interações de espécies antófilas com flores e investigar a ocorrência de estratificação vertical nestas espécies de animais e plantas. De maio de 2008 a abril de 2009 foi realizada captura de morcegos com redes de neblina abertas do solo ao dossel (25 m), em clareiras em área de floresta submontana, para verificar diversidade de espécies, sazonalidade, horário de atividade e estratificação vertical. No primeiro capítulo são apresentados os resultados sobre a estrutura da comunidade de morcegos. Foram capturados 679 morcegos, pertencentes a três famílias e 20 espécies. Na classificação funcional, foram observadas espécies pertencentes a sete guildas. A diversidade não variou entre as estações chuvosa e seca. Atividade de morcegos ocorreu ao longo de toda a noite, sendo as maiores abundâncias e riquezas registradas entre a segunda e quarta hora após o anoitecer, e, as menores na quinta e depois da décima hora após o ocaso. O padrão geral encontrado de estratificação vertical mostra que a maioria das espécies utiliza toda a amplitude de alturas da floresta com algumas espécies utilizando principalmente alturas mais baixas. As características da comunidade foram similares às de outros locais com fisionomia semelhante e os dados de estratificação vertical devem ser reflexos da estrutura da vegetação da Mata Atlântica. No segundo capítulo são apresentados os dados de interação dos morcegos antófilos com as flores. Foi realizado acompanhamento fenológico das espécies de plantas visitadas por morcegos, coleta de néctar, observações de comportamento de visitas e captura de visitantes com redes de neblina abertas em frente às flores. Foram acompanhadas oito espécies de plantas visitadas por morcegos, cujo padrão de floração é anual e seqüencial. As formas de vida foram árvores, epífitas e lianas, ocorrendo em alturas entre 0,5 m e 34 m. Flores de formas tubulares e do tipo pincel, cores esbranquiçadas e esverdeadas foram maioria nestas espécies, sendo visitadas por morcegos glossofagíneos, que atuaram como polinizadores. Morcegos não-glossofagíneos foram considerados polinizadores ocasionais. Dentre as 20 espécies de morcegos capturados em redes de neblina, três são nectarívoras, cinco frugívoras e uma onívora, que podem utilizar recursos florais. Estes recursos estão disponíveis e são utilizados por morcegos ao longo do ano em diferentes alturas, porém, não houve correlação entre as alturas de ocorrência e de vôo registradas. Os resultados são semelhantes aos de outras pesquisas em Mata Atlântica, porém, acrescentam novas perspectivas ao estudo de comunidades de morcegos e interações com flores / Abstract: Bats form a diverse group. They are abundant and of great ecological importance, due to various interactions with other organisms in their environment. The interactions of bats with flowers may result in pollination. While these interactions may be relatively rare when compared with other types of pollinators, they are of great importance to the reproduction in various plant species where they occur. These plants and the rewards utilized by bats occur at differing levels of the forest, wherein environmental conditions vary with height, thus influencing the use of vertical space by these mammals. The present study looks to describe a community of bats in an area of Atlantic Rainforest in the state of Paraná, aspects of the interactions of anthophilous species and to investigate the occurrence of vertical stratification of these species of animals and plants. From May 2008 to April 2009, bats were captured in mist nets opened from the ground to the canopy (25 m), in gaps in an area of submontane forest, in order to verify the diversity of species, seasonality, time of activity and vertical stratification. In the first chapter, results on community structure of bats are presented. Six hundred seventy-nine bats were captured, belonging to three families and 20 species. In the functional classification, species belonging to seven guilds were observed. The diversity did not vary between wet and dry seasons. Bat activity occurred throughout night-hours, with the highest abundance and richness occurring between two and four hours after sunset, and the lowest abundance and richness occurring between the fifth and tenth hour after sunset. The general pattern found in the vertical stratification indicates that the majority of species utilize the full amplitude of forest heights with some species using principally the lower forest levels. The characteristics of the community were similar to other localities with similar topography, and data on the vertical stratification likely reflects the vegetative structure of the Atlantic Rainforest. In the second chapter, data on bat interactions with flowers are presented. Phenology of the species of plants visited by bats was studied. Nectar of these flowers was collected. Visiting behavior of the bats was observed, followed by capture with open mist nets placed in front of the flowers. Eight species of plants visited by bats were studied. These plants presented either an annual or sequential pattern of flowering. Among these species are trees, epiphytes and lianas, occurring between 0,5 m and 34 m. Whitish to greenish-white tubular and pincel flowers made up the majority of these species' flowers, which are visited by glossophagines acting as pollinators. Non-glossophagine bats were considered occasional pollinators to these species. Among the 20 species of bats captured by mist nets, three species were glossophagines, five were frugivorous and one was omnivorous, which may consume floral rewards. These rewards are available and are used by bats throughout the year at differing heights, although there was no correlation among heights of occurrence and registered flights. While the results of this study are similar to other bat studies in the Atlantic Rainforest, they serve to highlight new perspectives on the study of bat communities and floral interactions / Mestrado / Ecologia / Mestre em Ecologia

The increasing number of proposed wind farm developments in South Africa provides an immediate reason to assess bat activity and diversity, with the expectation of developing measures to mitigate for negative impacts. The overall aim of this thesis was contribute to an understanding of the drivers of bat activity, relevant to wind turbines, and to determine what factors (exogenous – environmental, or endogenous – intrinsic physiological processes) contributed to observed bat activity patterns, at the Metrowind Van Stadens Wind Farm in the Eastern Cape of South Africa. A combination of active (mist netting) and passive (acoustic) bat monitoring techniques were used to determine free-ranging bat activity patterns (Chapter 3). A total of 889 bat passes were recorded over 323 detector nights from the beginning of May 2012 to the end of December 2012. The Cape serotine bat (82 per cent) and the Egyptian free-tailed bat (97 per cent) made up the majority of all bat passes recorded on site. Large variations in bat activity per month and per hour were apparent, with bat activity peaking in May 2012 and during the first few hours after sunset (18:00-23:00). Patterns in nightly, free-ranging bat activity at the site were modelled against various environmental conditions. Month, temperature, wind speed and an interaction between month and rainfall were the most significant predictors of bat activity, explaining 80 per cent of the variation observed on free-ranging bat activity patterns. A total of eight Cape serotine bats (Table 4.1.) were caught in mist nets on site and changes in the resting metabolic rate (RMR) of torpid (n = 6), and normothermic (n = 2) bats, over a 24 hr period, were measured and used to predict free-ranging Cape serotine bat activity (Chapter 4). Cape serotine bats showed a high proclivity for torpor in the laboratory and peaks in RMR were observed at 18:00 (0.89 ± 0.95 VO2 mℓ.g-1.hr-1) and again from 20:00-21:00 (0.89 ± 0.91 VO2 mℓ.g-1.hr-1). Peaks in RMR of torpid individuals coincided with peaks in the average hourly free-ranging activity of the Cape serotine bat, and RMR explained 33 per cent of the variation and was a good predictor of free-ranging bat activity (R2 = 0.2914). This study showed that both exogenous (Chapter 3) and endogenous (Chapter 4) factors drive bat activity in the wild. Although this dissertation was not intended for wind turbine management, the information presented on the biology and activity of bats is important for managing interactions between bats and wind turbines. By determining what factors influence bat activity, we are able to predict when bats will be most active and thus can develop mitigation measures to reduce the potential impacts that wind turbines will have on the bat community. In order to conserve bats and reduce potential bat fatalities from occurring at the site, mitigation measures should be concentrated to those times when bats are most active (May and during the first few hours after sunset – 18:00 to 22:00).

Urbanisation through the process of habitat loss and fragmentation has caused drastic changes in ecosystem dynamics around the world. Many species can no longer survive in these urban areas; however there are those species that have been able to survive and in fact thrive in the newly created habitats. With increasing urbanisation it is important that animals are able to adjust to a life in close association with humans. One such group of organisms which has adjusted well to urbanisation is the suborder Megachiroptera (Chiroptera). Some species from this suborder have benefited from increased food and roost resources in certain urban areas. Exotic fruiting plants (introduced purposely and accidentally) as well as increased cultivated gardens have provided additional food sources in some urban environments, while man-made structures, and increased suitable vegetation, have provided additional roosting opportunities. Although these urban dwelling species live in close association with humans, very little is known of their ecology in urban areas. Wahlberg's epauletted fruit bat Epomophorus wahlbergi is one such species of which little is known of its suburban ecology despite its increased presence in many urban areas. This study on the ecology of E. wahlbergi was conducted from February to October 2011 in the urban environment of Pietermaritzburg, South Africa. The aim was to examine foraging movements and habitat use of E. wahlbergi in this urban environment. The objectives were to determine seasonal differences in foraging movements and home range sizes in this urban environment. In addition the roosting dynamics and roost characteristics of E. wahlbergi in this urban environment were determined. In late summer, it was found that individual E. wahlbergi movements ranged considerably, with some bats making extensive flights to different parts of town while others stayed in particular areas throughout; no bats were recorded to have left the urban environment. Some of the larger distances covered in a single night's movements were two and five km. In late summer roosting fidelity varied between individual bats; all the individual bats changed their roosts at least once during late summer. Some individuals had as many as three known daytime roost sites. There was a difference in home range size between the sexes; with females occupying a larger home range size than males. This variation in movement patterns of individual bats suggests that their social interactions, roost site preferences, or dietary preferences vary between individuals in late summer. A significant difference in home range size and habitat use by E. wahlbergi was found between winter and spring, with home range sizes being larger in winter. The increased home range sizes and habitat use in winter were a consequence of bats feeding on the fruits of the alien invasive Syringa (Melia azedarch) with few other trees in fruit. Consequently bats had to move greater distances for food in winter. In spring, fruit availability was greater and more varied including both indigenous and exotic fruits. Consequently in winter, the bats were more reliant on a few fruiting species to meet their dietary requirements than during spring. Bats changed their roosts regularly in summer, winter and spring. There was considerable variation in roost temperatures however roost temperatures were higher than ambient temperatures. Roosts in man-made structures were higher in temperature than those in natural vegetation. This study suggests the importance of temperature in the selection of daytime roosts, however other factors such as predator avoidance and proximity to food resources are also considered in selection of daytime roosts. Within the order Chiroptera, species from the suborder Microchiroptera have generally not been well represented in urban areas, it is important that the reasons for this be better understood. Further research is still required to better understand the ecology of urban dwelling species as well as to understand the reasons why many species are not able to adjust to urban environments. / Thesis (M.Sc.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2012.

Many bat species in Europe have undergone severe population declines during the last century and one of the driving causes is believed to be the loss of roosting and foraging habitat through agricultural expansion and intensification. Modern agricultural practices have also had strong negative effects on many insect groups, such as moths, which are important components of the diets of many bat species. Agri-environment schemes (AES) have been introduced in many countries as an attempt to counteract the negative effects of intensive agriculture on biodiversity by providing financial incentives for farmers to adopt environmentally-sensitive agricultural practices. AES are potentially beneficial to bats and nocturnal insects, but the response of these taxa to their implementation had not been assessed prior to this study. Here, the potential benefits (or otherwise) that bats and their insect prey species gain from the implementation of certain AES management prescriptions was assessed using ultrasonic detectors (to assess bat activity levels) and heath light traps (to quantify nocturnal insect abundance) at 18 pairs of AES and conventionally-managed farms. In addition, the influence of the surrounding landscape on bats and insects was quantified to evaluate the relevance of a landscape-scale management approach for the conservation of these taxa. Some of the AES prescriptions assessed in this study benefited moths (and are potentially beneficial for moth-eating bats), but not Pipistrelle bats nor their insect prey. The most important factors associated with bat activity on farmland were metrics related to woodland configuration in the surrounding landscape, which suggests that conservation efforts for bats should focus on the creation and management of this habitat. Currently, some AES prescriptions aim to increase the amount and quality of woodland on agricultural land, but little is known about how woodland character relates to bat abundance and insect prey availability; therefore, recommendations for woodland creation and management rarely consider the requirements of foraging bats. Here, the influence of woodland character (e.g. vegetation structure and patch configuration) on bats and nocturnal insects was assessed. Vegetation surveys were conducted and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) were used to quantify the vegetation character and spatial configuration of 34 woodland patches within farmland. Two complementary methods (acoustic monitoring and bat trapping assisted by an acoustic lure) were used to assess the influence of woodland vegetation character, patch configuration and the surrounding landscape on bat populations. Nocturnal insect abundance at each site was assessed using heath light traps. Data presented here demonstrate that bats show species-specific associations with woodland vegetation structure and patch configuration; patterns of higher bat abundance and activity at small and isolated woodland patches suggest that bats utilize this habitat more intensively in landscapes where woodland is scarce. This thesis also shows that moths are strongly influenced by woodland character; in general, large woodland patches of compact shapes, composed of a large number of native tree species and a dense understory cover, and located close to other woodlands were associated with high moth abundance and species richness (and are potentially valuable for moth-eating bats). Other nocturnal insects (mainly Diptera) were not influenced by woodland character. This study also shows that bats and nocturnal insects are influenced by the landscape context; moths are mainly influenced by the extent of semi-natural environment (such as rough grassland and scrub) within small spatial scales (within 250 m; although effects of woodland extent were detected at larger spatial scales for woodland specialists moths). Bats are mainly influenced by woodland-related landscape metrics. Some bat species are influenced by the surrounding landscape at large spatial scales (within 3 km) and would benefit from woodland creation and management at a wide-landscape-scale. The findings presented in this thesis have important management implications for the design of agri-environment schemes. A list of management recommendations to optimize the benefits that bats and nocturnal insects gain from these schemes is presented in the final section.

Plantations are widespread throughout temperate regions, and the area of plantation land cover is predicted to get larger in the future. Interest in ensuring sustainable plantation management is also growing, as it is increasingly recognised that productive areas should play a role in biodiversity conservation. Plantation landscapes can comprise the majority of forested cover in some countries, but taxon-specific guidance can be lacking, due to plantations often being under surveyed. Therefore, despite substantial incentives existing to ensure that plantations meet various ecological criteria, plantation managers lack the information necessary to implement effective management plans. Many bat species have undergone widespread declines in recent decades, attributed to habitat loss and fragmentation, particularly of forested habitat. In many temperate countries, historical deforestation has resulted in very low native tree cover, and subsequently, considerable replanting with non-native commercial coniferous plantations has taken place. Species specific habitat surveys have often demonstrated avoidance of conifer plantations by bats, which has been attributed to a lack of roosts and low invertebrate prey abundance. Furthermore, widespread lepidopteran declines have been partly attributed to afforestation with non-native conifer, but moth associations with commercial coniferous plantations are usually only studied for pest species. Bats present a particular challenge in plantation landscapes; tree cover is important to many species to a greater or lesser extent, and in the United Kingdom, destruction of a roost site is illegal, regardless of whether it was deliberate or accidental. However, the extent to which bats associate with non-native commercial plantations is relatively unexplored. This is the first study to explicitly test bat associations with Picea sitchensis plantations (using acoustic detectors, trapping and radio tracking), and shows that, contrary to expectations, they may be an important habitat for breeding populations of Pipistrellus spp., particularly P. pygmaeus. High levels of activity were recorded for both P. pygmaeus and P. pipistrellus, despite little difference in dipteran abundance between different stand types, both species preferentially foraged in felled or less dense stands. This suggests that bats preferentially forage in areas with less acoustic and physical clutter, which will increase foraging efficiency. The impacts of felling in non-native commercial coniferous plantations on foraging activity was tested, for the first time, using a Before – After – Control – Impact experimental design. Bat activity (specifically P. pipistrellus and Nyctalus) increased after felling, particularly in smaller stands. In contrast felling had significant, negative impacts on moth abundance, species richness and diversity, and these effects remain after constraining for functional trait similarity. Reductions in richness and diversity in response to felling were similarly large for both rare and abundant species. Therefore, while bats may benefit from clear fell practices, albeit as long as the size of patches is small, moth populations could benefit from a shift towards other forestry methods, iv such as continuous cover forestry. These results also have implications for the recent, but increasing practice of siting wind turbines in commercial coniferous plantations, as pre-installation preparation involves clearing small patches of forest which may attract foraging bats; post felling monitoring should be carried out to examine potential impacts on bat populations. The presence of broadleaf trees in and around plantations significantly increased moth richness, mostly through increased occurrence of rare species. Broadleaf woodlands (defined as land spanning more than 0.5 ha, with trees higher than 5m and a combined cover of shrubs, bushes and trees above 10%), also had higher functional redundancy than plantation sites. For a diverse moth population to persist in plantation landscapes, preserving remnant patches of broadleaf trees is essential. There was little difference in bat activity between broadleaf woodlands and plantation sites. However, bat abundance, particularly that of reproductively active females, was greater in broadleaf sites compared to plantations. This was particularly true for Myotis and Nyctalus spp., very few of which were trapped in commercial plantations. Therefore, although reproductively active female Myotis bats are present in the surrounding landscape, they do not appear to associate with plantations themselves. This may reflect a lack of roost availability; both P. pygmaeus and P. pipistrellus preferentially form large maternity colonies in buildings, but for Myotis and Nyctalus spp. which roost switch regularly and often use trees, it is unlikely many suitable roosts exist within the plantations themselves. Many substantial P. pygmaeus maternity colonies were identified in and around Galloway forest, with some holding more than 500 individuals. All maternity colonies were in buildings, and most inhabited (and one uninhabited) buildings within the plantation contained a roost. Although females occasionally used old or dead deciduous trees as temporary roosts, there was no evidence of roosting in crop trees such as P. sitchensis. During this study, the Forestry Commission installed 36 bat boxes; within 6 months over 90% had been used, with a number of harems found inside. This fast uptake compared with bat use of boxes in other locations reflects the paucity of appropriate structures for either roost or harem use in commercial plantations. Twelve bats were captured while foraging, tagged with small radio transmitters, and followed for between 2 and 6 nights during 2014 and 2015. All but one tagged female preferentially foraged within the plantation, with individuals selecting equally riparian habitats and felled stands. Tagged females which roosted furthest from the plantation had the largest home ranges; one individual flew nearly 40km each night to reach foraging areas distant from her roost, suggesting that the food availability within the plantation was sufficient to render such a long journey energetically viable. v These results have important implications for bat populations in and around commercial coniferous plantations. Far from being avoided by bats, plantation landscapes may constitute an important habitat type for both P. pygmaeus and P. pipistrellus, likely due to the high abundance of nematoceran diptera in plantation woodlands. Furthermore, plantation forests support a similar richness of moth species to urban and agricultural woodlands, including a number of declining species of special conservation concern. A list of management recommendations to benefit both bat and moth populations in commercial plantations is presented at the end of this thesis.