Thesis (Ph.D.)--Boston University / PLEASE NOTE: Boston University Libraries did not receive an Authorization To Manage form for this thesis or dissertation. It is therefore not openly accessible, though it may be available by request. If you are the author or principal advisor of this work and would like to request open access for it, please contact us at open-help@bu.edu. Thank you. / This thesis examines the intrinsic and extrinsic factors that influence the reproductive strategy of a temperate insectivorous bat, Myotis lucifugus. Body composition was measured using both direct analysis (dehydration and fat extraction) and total body electrical conductivity (TOBEC) analysis. Changes in body composition during the reproductive season show that both fat and mineral stores are mobilized during lactation. However, the changes were small relative to the level of reproductive effort supporting the hypothesis that small insectivorous bats use direct-costing to meet the costs of reproduction. An increase in size of the digestive tract suggests that increased foraging capacity is an important component of this strategy. Changes in body composition in young bats show a two-week period of linear postnatal growth followed by a rapid transition to adult body composition. By the end of August, young bats had achieved a mass-specific body composition similar to post-lactating adult females, although they had a smaller body mass. Body composition did not influence any of the reproductive traits investigated in the present study. Young bats born early in the parturition period had a higher postnatal growth rate, suggesting that time-dependent effects influence reproductive strategy in Myotis lucifugus. Sex-dependent influences suggest that maternal costs are higher when producing female young: female offspring 1) had a higher postnatal growth rate, 2) had more body fat at weaning, 3) were born earlier and remained with the mother longer than male offspring. High levels of precipitation during early pregnancy resulted in a delayed parturition period and a male-biased sex-ratio at birth. High levels of precipitation in late summer increased overwinter recapture rate in adult females. Low ambient temperature in early summer reduced the reproductive rate and level of reproductive synchrony. Low temperatures in late summer reduced overwinter recapture rate in yearling bats. These extrinsiv factors may influence the energy budget of M. lucifugus by increasing thermoregulatory costs and reducing foraging opportunity or prey availability. Thus intrinsic factors influenced some of the within-season variation in reproductive traits, whereas extrinsic factors primarily affected between-year variation. / 2031-01-02

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Oregon State University, 2008. / Printout. Includes bibliographical references. Also available on the World Wide Web.

Thesis--Auburn University, 2008. / Abstract. Vita. Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--West Virginia University, 2010. / Title from document title page. Document formatted into pages; contains xiii, 181 p. : ill. (some col.), maps (some col.). Includes abstract. Includes bibliographical references.

Dentaries of the 6 species of Myotis that occur in the eastern United States were analyzed using landmark-based geometric morphometrics. The species could be distinguished with a high degree of accuracy. Evidence was found of a phylogenetic signal in the morphology of the Neotropical and Nearctic Myotis sub-clades. There is also evidence of convergence in the morphology of the dentary among Myotis species that feed primarily by gleaning. When analyzed together there was no evidence of sexual dimorphism among the 6 eastern U.S. Myotis, but when analyzed individually some dimorphism may be present. A sample of fossil Myotis of unknown species from Bat Cave, Kentucky, was analyzed in an attempt to identify the specimens to species. Results indicate that Myotis austroriparius and M. sodalis predominate the sample, possibly with smaller numbers of M. grisescens and M. leibii. This study demonstrates the ability to differentiate Myotis taxa from historic and prehistoric sites and provides a tool for researchers to better understand and potentially conserve these species.

Using radiotracking techniques in Kostelecký les, we studied spatial activity and habitat preferences of three cryptic whiskered bats (Myotis alcathoe, Myotis brandtii, Myotis mystacinus). We examined whether the species emerged from roost at different times. We researched home range (MCP) size and feeding sites (95% Kernel, 50% Kernel), and the distances travelled from the roost. Using a compositional analysis, we evaluated what habitat of the home range and feeding sites Myotis alcathoe and Myotis mystacinus prefer.

Using radiotracking techniques in Kostelecký les, we studied spatial activity and habitat preferences of three cryptic whiskered bats (Myotis alcathoe, Myotis brandtii, Myotis mystacinus). We examined whether the species emerged from roost at different times. We researched home range (MCP) size and feeding sites (95% Kernel, 50% Kernel), and the distances travelled from the roost. Using a compositional analysis, we evaluated what habitat of the home range and feeding sites Myotis alcathoe and Myotis mystacinus prefer.

No description available.

Thèses (M.Sc.)--Université de Sherbrooke (Canada), 2001. / Titre de l'écran-titre (visionné le 24 août 2006). Publié aussi en version papier.

This study presents the findings of a field study examining roost tree selection and roosting ranges of the northern long-eared bat (Myotis septentrionalis) in an experimental ecosystem of two southern Indiana state forests comprised of differing timber harvesting treatments. The northern long-eared bat is anticipated to be added to the Endangered Species list in the fall of 2014, so understanding its habitat selection is important to aid in minimizing their population decline. Northern long-eared bats were captured in Morgan-Monroe and Yellowwood state forests, and females were fitted with transmitters. We tracked these bats to their maternity roost trees during the day, and measured vegetation characteristics around those trees. Roost tree locations were plotted in ArcMap (ArcGIS 10.2) to find roosting ranges, and the roosting range size for this species was found to average 5.4 ha. Bats roosted in the unharvested forest more often than in trees within the harvested areas, and selected areas containing more vegetation obstruction, or clutter, in both areas. However, northern long-eared bats are roost generalists when compared to other species for many vegetative characteristics, and may tolerate smaller forest harvests as long as adequate roost trees remain available on the landscape. / Roost tree selection of the northern long-eared bat (Myotis septentrionalis) in southern Indiana -- Roosting ranges of the northern long-eared bat (Myotis septentrionalis) in southern Indiana. / Department of Biology