External Characteristics of Abandoned Mines as Predictors of Bat Activity during the Fall Swarm
Lucille M. Williams1 and Joseph S. Johnson2, *
1Department of Zoology and Physiology, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY 82071. 2School of Information Technology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45221. *Corresponding author.
Journal of North American Bat Research, Volume 3 (2025):1–16
Abstract
Abandoned coal mines are habitat for bats, but are often sealed for safety. We used acoustic detectors to evaluate bat activity outside 61 abandoned mines in Ohio during the fall swarm period. Only 10% of mines had activity rates comparable to a known hibernaculum and swarming site. Perimyotis subflavus (Tricolored Bat) and Myotis spp. activity peaked in late August and early September. Myotis spp. activity was positively affected by presence of bat gates, but decreased with the ratio of entrance height to width. Tricolored Bat activity increased with mine entrance size and decreased with the number of proximate swarming sites. Activity of Eptesicus fuscus (Big Brown Bat) declined as autumn progressed and was positively affected by the presence of bat gates. We demonstrate how external characteristics of mines can be used to identify swarming habitat for conservation and monitoring efforts.
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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.