Intersexual Differences in Roost-site Use by Little Brown Myotis in Cypress Hills, Saskatchewan
Emma Blanken1 and R. Mark Brigham1, *
1Department of Biology, University of Regina, Regina, SK S4S 0A2, Canada. *Corresponding author.
Journal of North American Bat Research, Volume 3 (2025):1–12
Abstract
Roosts are critical to the survival and reproductive success of forest-dwelling bats. While most research on Myotis lucifugus (Little Brown Myotis) emphasizes reproductive females, including nonreproductive individuals may better reflect the species’ flexible roosting habits. We used radiotelemetry to examine summer roost selection by nonreproductive females and males in Cypress Hills, Saskatchewan. Both sexes used Picea glauca (White Spruce) and anthropogenic structures, and exhibited frequent roost switching. Females alternated between maternity-associated structures and trees, while males preferred short, decayed spruce with large diameters. These findings highlight sex-based differences in roost use among nonreproductive individuals and support the need for diverse roosting options in conservation planning.
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Journal of North American Bat Research is valued by the academic, agency, NGO, and private-sector research community as a respected and trusted source for science related to all aspects of the biology, ecology, and conservation of bats, Order Chiroptera, and their habitats in North America, from Canada to Panama, and the West Indies (Bahamas, Greater Antilles, and Lesser Antilles). Manuscripts based on studies outside this region that provide information on species within the region may be considered at the Editor’s discretion.