MONTANA STATE This "cover" page added by the Internet Archive for formatting purposes 599.4 / N I I bk n f I 996 MONTANA STATE LIBRARY ^^^^ 3 0864 0014 3591 9 U^^b liB/\i(pH'^'^~u^ Bats of the Kootenai National Forest, Montana A Report to: USDA Forest Service Kootenai National Forest 506 U.S. Highway 2 West Libby, Montana 59923 mp 7 3 i^i) WEUfJA. MONTANA 53JCJ Submitted by Paul Hendricks, Katharine A. Jurist, David L. Center and James D. Reichel December 1996 '■ ^-^ Montana Natural Heritage Program 1515 East Sixth Avenue P.O. Box 201800 Helena, MT 59620-1800 ;1 4 ^ -'fill ®/PP5 Montana Natural Heritage Program This document should be cited as follows: Hendricks, P.. K. A. Jurist, D. L. Center, and J. D. Reichel. 1996. Bats of the Kootenai NaUonal Forest, Montana. Montana Natural Heritage Program. Helena, MT. 99 pp. 11 ABSTRACT Bats of the Kootenai National Forest, Montana were surveyed with ultrasonic detectors during 145 detector-nights at 134 sites in July, August, and September 1995, supplementing similar efforts in 1994 (54 sites total). Twenty sites were also sampled with mist nets. Many of the sites surveyed were within 200 m of water (rivers, streams, beaver ponds, marshes), but less than 40% of the sites were actually abutting wetland habitat. Most sites surveyed were in stands of mixed conifers, and special effort was made to sample in old-growth and mature forest. Twelve mine adits at six sites were also investigated for bat use. Bats were detected during 96 detector-nights at 93 sites in 1995, supplementing detections at 40 sites in 1994. Bats were more likely to be detected in old-growth and mature forest stands than in "disturbed" (i.e., seed-tree cut, clearcut, and burned sites, of recent to pole-sapling stages) stands in 1995. The pattern was similar for bat detector data from 1994 and 1995 combined. Much of the pattern between the presence of bats and forest-stand structure was attributable to Myotis sp.; the difference was not statistically significant for any identifiable bat species except M. evotis, although all species were equally or more often detected in older, less-disturbed stands. The presence and activity level of bats in riparian sites was about equal to that in old- growth/mature forest stands. Eight bat species were identified in 1995: Myotis californicus, M. evotis, M. volans, M. yumanensis, Lasionycteris noctivagans, Eptesicusfuscus, Lasiurus cinereus, and Corynorhiniis (=Plecotus) townsendii. M. yumanensis was previously imdocumented for the Kootenai National Forest. Most Myotis species cannot be distinguished from one another with bat detectors, the survey tool most frequently used in 1995; unidentified Myotis were detected at 82 sites. As many as six species (M. yumanensis, M. thysanodes, M. lucifugus, M. volans, M. californicus, and M ciliolabrum) may have been present and included in this grouping. Field surveys with mist nets (previously in 1993, and during the 1995 field season) revealed the presence of all but Myotis thysanodes in the above group oi Myotis species on the Kootenai National Forest, and also documented M. evotis and Lasionycteris noctivagans. Myotis sp., M. evotis, Lasionycteris noctivagans and Eptesicus fuscus were detected on all six Districts of the Kootenai National Forest in 1995. Five or six species were identified on all Districts in 1995 except the Fortine District, with only three species. Combined results from the 1993, 1994 and 1995 surveys showed the presence often species of vespertilionid bat on the Kootenai National Forest. Currently, all ten species have been documented only on the Cabinet District, but six species (M evotis, M. lucifugus, Lasionycteris noctivagans, Eptesicus fuscus, Lasiurus cinereus, Corynorhinus townsendii) have been detected on all Forest Districts. Little is known about the reproductive activities of bats on the Kootenai National Forest, but ten species (M yumanensis, M. lucifugus, M. evotis, M. volans, M. californicus, M. ciliolabrum, Lasionycteris noctivagans, Eptesicusfuscus, Lasiurus borealis, and Corynorhinus townsendii) may breed on Forest Service land. Overwinter occurrence and distribution of bats on the Kootenai National Forest remain virtually unknown. in 'iibtisiSsA.- '.^. ,^ J y- TABLE OF CONTENTS ABSTRACT iii ACKNOWLEDGMENTS v INTRODUCTION 1 METHODS 2 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION 5 Bat Detector Surveys 5 Table 1 . Forest bat presence in old-growth/mature stands and "disturbed" stands 7 Table 2. Forest bat presence in old-growth/mature and riparian stands 8 Mist-net and Mine Surveys 9 Summary 9 Species Present on the Kootenai National Forest 13 California Myotis 13 Western Small-footed Myotis 15 Long-eared Myotis 17 Little Brown Myotis 19 Long-legged Myotis 21 Yuma Myotis 23 Silver-haired Bat 25 Big Brown Bat 27 Hoary Bat 29 Townsend's Big-eared Bat 31 Species Potentially Present on the Kootenai National Forest 32 Fringed Myotis 32 RECOMMENDATIONS 33 BIBLIOGRAPHY 35 Appendix 1 . Field forms used in bat inventories 40 Appendix 2. Sites of ANABAT surveys 42 Appendix 3. Locations of bat species detected during the 1994-1995 ANABAT surveys 48 Appendix 4. Bat species presence on Districts of the Kootenai National Forest 58 IV ACKNOWLEDGMENTS Much of the field work in 1995 was conducted by D. Stinson, and his contribution to the total survey was significant. We also thank E. and K. Werner for help collecting field data in 1994, and D. Roemer for his efforts in 1993. G. Altman, A. Dueker, G. Heinz, J. Hollifield, L. Johnson, B. Kennedy, J. Manning, J. Peterson, D. Snell, K. Snell, B. Summerfield, and L.Young provided additional help, advice, and interest in this survey. Thanks to J. Erickson (University of Washington) for help with interpretation of bat vocalization recordings. D. Dover, C. Jones, and S. Thweatt assisted with element occurrence and map preparation. Financial support for the project came fi-om the Kootenai National Forest (U.S. Forest Service, Northern Region) and the Montana Natural Heritage Program (Montana State Library, Natural Resources Information System and The Nature Conservancy). Specimen data were obtained fi-om the Zoological Museum, University of Montana, and the U. S. National Museum, Smithsonian Institution. INTRODUCTION Bats rank behind only rodents and carnivores in mammalian diversity over much of western North America; this is also true for the Pacific Northwest. Ten species of insectivorous bat are Icnown to occur in northwestern Montana, with the possibiUty that two additional species will be found in the region following further survey effort. Bats often occur in forested landscapes like those covering much of northwestern Montana, but the significance of forest structure for bats is only now being clarified (e.g., Christy and West 1993, Gellman and Zielinski 1996, Mattson et al. 1996, Perkins and Cross 1988, Thomas 1988, Thomas and West 1991, Wunder and Carey 1996). Because timber harvest practices alter the landscape mosaic, effective management of bats requires knowledge of their habitat requirements. Thus, there exists a need for more information on the distribution and abundance of bats in western Montana, especially in forested landscapes. Forest managers must also direct attention to the bat fauna because Corynorhinus (-Plecotus) townsendii, a species present in much of the region, is on the U. S. Forest Service Sensitive Species list and, as such, has special legal status. In the summers of 1994 and 1995 a survey of bats occurring on the Kootenai National Forest in Flathead, Lincoln, and Sanders counties, Montana was conducted by the Montana Natural Heritage Program, expanding on preliminary efforts in 1993 (Roemer 1994) to determine species presence and distribution on the different forest Districts. The field work in 1994-1995 differed fi-om the 1993 study by emphasizing the use of ultrasoimd detectors. Their use permitted a more rigorous sampling of bat activity in a variety of forested habitats. Of special interest was bat presence in forest stands of different structure. The current report presents the results of the 1995 field season, with the 1994 results (Hendricks et al. 1995) subsumed herein. The survey includes data published previously, and should form the basis for fiuther inventory and monitoring efforts. METHODS Historical records of bats from northwestern Montana and adjacent areas of Idaho and Canada were obtained from the literature (see Bibliography). These records provide data on breeding status, habitat use, seasonality of occurrence, and distribution. Museum records, other than those previously published or from northwestern Montana, are not included in this report. Collecting in Montana has been sporadic, and the number of bat specimens from the Kootenai National Forest area is minimal. Field work in 1994 and 1995 on the Kootenai National Forest was conducted from mid- July to mid-September. Ultrasound detectors were used in both years and represent the primary survey technique. Mist-netting was also employed in 1995, and used by Roemer (1994) in 1993. Thomas and West (1989) provide a general discussion of sampling methods for bats. Each method has strengths and weaknesses for survey work, with no single method being definitive. Mist-netting has the advantage of allowing in-hand identification of individuals and collection of data on sex and reproductive condition, neither of which are obtainable with bat detectors. Some bats may escape capture in nets, however, and some species present at a particular site may go undetected. Detectors can determine the presence of species that may be missed during mist-netting, but they are not without drawbacks. Call duration, time between calls, call structure, and call frequency can vary significantly with habitat and between individuals (Erickson 1993), often making species identification difficult. On the Kootenai National Forest, Myotis evotis was the only species of Myotis which could be distinguished from other members of the genus with accuracy using a bat detector. Ideally, a combination of mist-nets and bat detectors would be employed at a given site in order to obtain the most accurate picture of distribution. Mist-netting is time-consuming, however, and therefore permits fewer sites to be surveyed within the allotted time period. Microchiropteran bats use a variety of ultrasonic vocalizations as echolocation aids for navigation and prey capture. Fortuitously, a number of studies have determined that the signals emitted by many species of bats can be used to distinguish among species (e.g., Barclay 1986, Fentonand Bell 1981, Fentone/a/. 1983, MacDonald er a/. 1994). This characteristic permits the assessment of species-presence during inventory work through use of portable ultrasound bat detectors. ANABAT II bat detectors (Titley Electronics, Ballina, Australia) were used during the 1994 and 1995 field seasons. These detectors are sensitive to broadband ultrasonic calls common in bat vocalizations (usually 20-1 80 kHz) . Ultrasonic signals in the range of bat vocalizations are captured, converted to an audible frequency (up to 10 kHz), and recorded on magnetic tape. Detector units (consisting of the detector, timer/tape-driver, and a voice-activated cassette tape recorder) were set up before dusk near bodies of water and forest openings (where bat activity would be expected) and left in place overnight; usually one cassette tape was sufficient to record activity at a single site. Detectors were sensitive to bats within a minimum range of 20 m. Recorded tapes were returned to the laboratory and analyzed on an IBM compatible PC using an ANABAT II ZCA Interface Module and software. Assignment of vocalizations to a particular species of bat was achieved by matching field recordings with a reference set of calls obtained from captured individuals, in addition to matching call characteristics with those reported in the literature. At the time detector units were placed we recorded 1) an index of sky conditions from 0-6 (clear to showers), 2) Beaufort wind scale from 0-5 (no wind to winds 19-24 mph), and 3) ambient temperature (see Appendix 1). We assumed that conditions at the time units were placed provided an index of nocturnal conditions. Mist-nets were set singly or in pairs and run for 1 .5 to 2 hours beginning at dusk. Netting was usually conducted near a water source or where bat activity would be concentrated. Nets were set across creeks, beaver ponds, an open field, and a mine adit. Some mines were examined for bat activity, but potential roosts in caves or free cavities were not checked, despite the presence of several in the region. Mine inspection included visual examination and entry if possible, use of ulfrasound bat detectors near the portals in most cases, and use of mist-nets in one case. Use of detectors and nets at mines followed procedures employed at other localities. An attempt was made to visit the six Districts of the Kootenai National Forest (Cabinet, Fisher River, Fortine, Libby, Rexford, and Three Rivers) each year, but coverage was not uniform across all Districts. Survey sites were chosen based on accessibility and the presence of water nearby, as bats tend to concentrate their foraging activity over water sources where insects are abundant (all bats in this region are insectivorous). However, forest clearings or narrow corridors within forest stands were also monitored. Habitat data were collected for each site (see field form in Appendix 1), and an attempt was made to sample different cover types. Sample sizes from different habitats were too few to analyze separately other than in a broad- spectrum manner. Habitat data were placed into three general forest-structure categories (old- growth/mature, "disturbed", "other"). "Distiirbed" stands comprised all recent to pole-sapling stages in seed-free cut, clearcut, and bum stands, whereas the "other" category was comprised of habitats not encompassed by the first two categories (e.g., young forest, mixed conifer/deciduous stands, aspen stands, etc.). The "other" category included too few sites for use in statistical analyses of bat activity in forest of different structure. Each category pooled data from all forest types (e.g., Douglas-fir, western redcedar, western larch, ponderosa pine, Engelmann spruce, subalpine fir, grand fir), although most sites sampled were in mixed-conifer stands. Riparian sites were included as a fourth category for some comparisons with forested categories, particularly old-growth/mature stands. Riparian sites were located within forested areas but the vegetation was dominated by typical deciduous phreatophyte genera such as cottonwood (Populus), birch (Betula) and willow (Salix). The next level of analysis for future studies should be of bat presence in stands of different forest structure within a forest type. Statistical analyses, where used, follow standard procedures described in Sokal and Rohlf (1981), with statistical significance assumed when P < 0.05. Bat Survey Locations On or near the Kootenai National Forest, Montana 1995 surveys pre-1995 surveys Survey locations from the Montana Natural Heritage Program, May 17, 1996 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Bat Detector Surveys Species Richness— A total of 54 sites in 1994 and 134 sites in 1995 was checked for nocturnal bat activity using ultrasound bat detectors: 9 sites in July, 63 in August, and 1 16 in September. Number of sites surveyed on each District, with years combined, was Cabinet (34), Fisher River (28), Fortine (32), Libby (28), Rexford (2 1 ), and Three Rivers (45) (see Appendix 2). All sites were sampled with ANABAT II ultrasonic bat detectors. Bats were detected at 133 (70.7%) of the sites: 40 (74.1%) in 1994, 93 (69.4%) in 1995. The proportion of sites where bats were detected did not differ (G = 0.412, df= \,P> 0.5) between years . Five species of vespertilionid bat (common names usually follow Jones et al. 1986) were identified using ultrasound bat detectors each year during the field surveys (see Appendix 3): long-eared myotis {Myotis evotis - 28 sites), silver-haired bat {Lasionycteris noctivagans - 45 sites), big brown bat {Eptesicus fuscus -57 sites), hoary bat (Lasiurus cinereus - 13 sites), Townsend's big-eared bat {Corynorhinus townsendii - 36 sites). In addition, Myotis sp. was detected at 107 sites. Number of bat species detected at a site ranged fi-om one to five (assuming Myotis sp. represented a single species other than M. evotis at each site where detected). One species was detected at 34 sites, two species at 35 sites, three species at 36 sites, four species at 17 sites, and five species at 1 1 sites; a mean of 2.5 ±1.2 species/site (= species richness) was detected at sites where bats were present during the two years. Species richness was 3.1 ± 1.3 in 1994 and 2.3 ± 1.1 in 1995; fi-equency distributions of species richness differed significantly between years (G = 13.616, df= 4, P< 0.01). Several explanations for the difference in species richness between years are possible. First, distinguishing bat calls may have been more conservative in 1995, as experience with their interpretation increased. We have no way to check this, so we will not discuss this possibility further except to note that observer bias is always present to some degree. Second, bat activity may have been depressed in 1 995 due to some sampling artifact, such as inclement or colder weather on nights sampled. Neither wind nor sky conditions at the time bat detectors were placed differed significantly between years (G tests, P > 0.1), but ambient temperature on evenings sampled was significantly warmer in 1994 (mean = 20.0 + 3.2 °C in 1994, 16.2 ± 3.0 °C in 1995; t = 3.887, df = 40, P < 0.001); bat and night-flying insect activity may be correlated with nocturnal ambient temperature in northwestern Montana. Third, the array of habitats surveyed may have occurred in different proportions each year; greater species richness in 1994 may have been the result of a greater proportion of samples in habitats "attractive" to a greater number and variety of bats. The proportion of gross habitat categories sampled (old- growth/mature, "disturbed", all other habitats including riparian) did not differ significantly between years (G = 4.566, df = 2, P > 0.1), but pooling habitats at this level could mask finer- scale habitat selection by bats that is biologically significant. In the absence of evidence to the contrary, we assume that the difference between years in species richness was a real property of the environment. Habitat f/ye— Bats were detected in most habitat types, from early serai "disturbance" sites in recent clearcuts and bums to mature and old-growth stands, in ponderosa pine and riparian sites at low elevation to Engelmann spruce and subalpine fir at moderate elevation. Riparian, "disturbed", and old-growth/mature sites accounted for 72.3% of the 188 sites sampled with bat detectors, and are the only habitat categories analyzed here. Presence was not imiform across these habitat categories. Bat activity occurred significantly more frequently in old-growth/mature forest (Table 1: 71.4% of sites) than in "disturbed" forest stands (46.7% of sites). Much of the difference was attributable to Myotis sp., but nearly all species identifiable were found at a greater proportion of old-growth/mature sites (Table 1), with the exception of the silver-haired bat {Lasionycteris noctivagans). The long-eared myotis (M evotis) was the only species where the difference was significant, but larger sample sizes would likely show the same pattern for the big-brown bat {Eptesicus fuscus) and hoary bat (Lasiurus cinereus). Bats appeared in equal proportions of old-growth/mature and riparian sites (Table 2), except for the hoary bat {Lasiurus cinereus), which was present at a significantly greater proportion of old-growth/mature sites (it was not detected in any of the 36 riparian sites). The patterns of habitat occurrence noted on the Kootenai National Forest are similar to those found in other studies in western North America. Old-growth and mattire forests, which have a more complex structure often show greater bat activity than younger or disturbed forest stands (see Perkins and Cross 1988, Thomas 1988, Thomas and West 1991). The availability of large snags, a component infrequently foimd in young and disturbed stands, is recognized as one of the most important attributes of old-growth and mature forests for bats in western North America (Christy and West 1993, Gellman and Zielinski 1996, Mattson et al. 1996, Wunder and Carey 1996), as large snags provide important roost sites. The lack of association of Townsend's big- eared bat to any forest type during this survey (Table 1 and 2) is consistent with its known habits of roosting in buildings, bridges, caves and mines (Christy and West 1993, Wunder and Carey 1996). This species rarely if ever roosts in tree cavities; forests are used primarily for foraging. The relatively uniform occurrence of the silver-haired bat amongst old-growth/mature, "disturbed", and riparian sites in this survey is imusual relative to other studies (Perkins and Cross 1988, Thomas 1988, Campbell et al. 1996, Mattson et al. 1996) where old-growth is the habitat of greatest occurrence. It is not clear why our fmdings differ from previous studies. It is not surprising that activity at riparian sites was equal to that of old-growth/mature sites (Table 2), as bats need water, and insect activity is often high at water sources (Christy and West 1993). The lack of hoary bat activity in riparian sites is surprising, however, as this species routinely roosts and forages among deciduous trees in other areas (Jones et al. 1983). Perhaps the riparian sites we sampled had too few large trees to be attractive. Table 1 . Forest bat presence in old-growth/mature stands and "disturbed" stands (recent to pole- sapling seed-tree cut, clearcut, and burned) on the Kootenai National Forest, 1994-1995, using ANABAT unltrasound detectors. Species Old-growth/mature "Disturbed" P* All bats 50, 20" 14,16 < 0.025 Myotis sp. 49,21 12,18 <0.01 Myotis evotis 11,59 0,30 < 0.005 Lasionycteris noctivagans 14,56 6,24 >0.9 Eptesicus fuscus 21,49 4,26 >0.05 Lasiurus cinereus 7,63 1,29 >0.1 Corynorhinus {=Plecotus) townsendii 11,59 4,26 >0.5 G test of independence. *" n sites where detected, n sites where not detected. Total « = 70 for old-growth/mature, 30 for "disturbed." Table 2. Forest bat presence in old-growth/matiire and riparian stands on the Kootenai National Forest, 1994-1995, using ANABAT ultrasound detectors. Species Old-growth/mature Riparian All bats Myotis sp. Myotis evotis Lasionycteris noctivagans Eptesicus fuscus Lasiurus cinereus Corynorhinus (=Plecotus) townsendii ' Gtest of independence. *" n sites where detected, n sites where not detected. Total /j = 70 for old-growth/mature, 36 for riparian. 50, 20" 27,9 >0.5 49,21 26,10 >0.5 11,59 5,31 >0.5 14,56 11,25 >0.1 21,49 16,20 >0.1 7,63 0,36 < 0.025 11,59 5,31 >0.5 ■■tik-il4^^ Mist-net and Mine Surveys Mist-netting was conducted on 20 nights at 20 sites between 20 August and 22 September 1995, and resulted in the capture of 24 bats of four species ofMyotis (7 M califomicus, 9 M. evotis, 1 M. volans, 7 M. yumanensis). The Yuma myotis (M yumanensis) was expected but previously unreported for the Kootenai National Forest area. Twelve mine adits were investigated at 6 sites in 1995. Bats were detected at two of these, 7 M. evotis were captured in a mist-net on 26 August at the entrance of the Double Mac Mine (T29N R32W S12NE) in the Libby District, and 1 Corynorhinus {=Plecotus) towmendii was found roosting on 8 September in the upper adit of the Snowstorm Mine (T31N R34W S20SW) in the Three Rivers District. Field surveys in 1993 (Roemer 1994) identified six bat species on the Kootenai National Forest (A/, califomicus, M. ciliolabrum, M. evotis, M. lucifiigus, M. volatis, Lasionycteris noctivagaiis). The capture ofM yumanensis in 1995 brings to seven the number of species captured in mist-net surveys on the Kootenai National Forest, and the total number of bat species found on the Forest to ten (Appendix 4). Summary Field surveys in 1994 and 1995 detected the presence of eight species of bats on the Kootenai National Forest (Appendix 4). Roemer (1994) identified six species, two of which were not detected during the 1994-1995 field surveys (but one of these species fi-om the Forest was represented previously in museum collections). Thus, the total bat fauna documented for the Kootenai National Forest is ten species; four species (M califomicus, M. evotis, M. lucifugus, M. yumanensis) are verified with museum specimens. The ten species present are M. yumanensis, A/, evotis, M. lucifugus, M. califomicus, M. ciliolabrum, M. volans, Lasionycteris noctivagans, Eptesicusfuscus, Lasiurus cinereus, and Corynorhinus townsendii. Most or all species are likely to occur on all Forest Districts. Currently, ten species have been noted on the Cabinet District, eight on Fisher River District, six on Fortine District, eight on Libby District, nine on Rexford District, and seven on Three Rivers District (Appendix 4). M. evotis, M. lucifugus, Lasionycteris noctivagans, Eptesicusfuscus, Lasiurus cinereus, and Corynorhinus townsendii have been found on all six Districts. All species are likely to breed on the Kootenai National Forest. Each species is known to breed in Canada to the north, or in western Montana to the east and south (Hoffmann and Pattie 1968, Hoffrnann et al. 1969, van Zyll de Jong 1985). Lactating females of A/, califomicus, M. ciliolabrum, Kl. evotis, and KI. volans were captured on the Kootenai National Forest during summer in 1993 (Roemer 1994), and lactating A/, evotis were captured in 1995. Which species overwinter on the Kootenai National Forest is unknown. The Fnnged Myotis (Myotis thysanodes) may also occur on the Kootenai National Forest, but is considered a rare breeder in western Montana (Hoffrnann and Pattie 1968, Hoffmann et al 1969) The Spotted Bat (Euderma maculatum) and the Pallid Bat (Anirozous pallidiis) are found about 230 km to the west in the Okanagan Valley of British Columbia (van Zyll de Jong 1985), and 600 km to the southeast in the Pryor Mountains (Worthington 1991), but lack of suitable arid habitat on the Kootenai National Forest makes their occurrence unlikely here. The following species accounts, unchanged from Hendricks et al. (1995) except for addition of data from 1995, summarize distributional and life history information for all (detected and potential) species on the Kootenai National Forest. Distribution maps show results of all known records for the Forest. Heritage Program Global (G) and State (S) rank codes range from 1 (critically unperiled) to 5 (demonstrably secure, though possibly rare in part of the range). 10 ^M- Distribution of Myotis spp. on the Kootenai National Forest ▼ 1995 data • 1 993 & 1994 data '''-- Pre-1 993 data A., '\''~ Museum specimens Species locations from the Montana Natural Heritage Program May 17, 1996 Distribution of Myotis californicus on the Kootenai National Forest •>:■ -/■ 1995 data 1993& 1994 data Pre-1 993 data y'~ Museum specimens [ Species locations from the Montana Natural Heritage Program September 05, 1 996 Species Present on the Kootenai National Forest California Myotis (Myotis californiciis) Description: Fur full and long, but not glossy. Body variably light tan to nearly black. Hind foot small (< 8.5 mm), but ears relatively long (extending beyond the tip of the nose when pressed forward). Naked part of the snout is about as long as the width of the nostrils when viewed from above. Calcar is keeled. Distribution: Found from southeastern Alaska south to southern Mexico in western North America. Habitat and Habits: This species is a bat of western lowlands (usually < 1800 m elevation), often found associated with rock-walled canyons, from arid to humid woodlands and forests. Small numbers have been reported hibernating in mines and caves in Oregon, Washington (Perkins et al. 1990) and British Columbia (Nagorsen et al. 1993). Summer roost sites include buildings, rock crevices, hollow trees, and spaces under loose bark. Females form small maternity colonies, sometimes with M. lucifugus (Hof&nann and Pattie 1968), with young bom in July. Roemer (1994) captured lactating females on 16 July on the Cabinet District and 27 August on the Fisher River District; this species was netted 28 August, 15 and 19 September 1995. This species emerges from roosts at sunset to feed imtil dawn. Flight is slow, erratic, and usually low near vegetation or water. Status: Hofi&nann and Pattie (1968) and Hoffrnann et al. (1969) indicate that the distribution of this bat in Montana is restricted to valleys west of the Continental Divide; specimens are available from Flathead (Kalispell) and Ravalli Counties, and three were collected from Lincoln County in 1995. Eighteen of 1 13 bats captured by Roemer (1994) on the Kootenai National Forest were this species; seven were captured in 1995. It has been recorded from all but the Fortine and Three Rivers Districts (Appendix 4). While not noted during the 1 994 survey, this species may have been present at sites where Myotis sp. was detected ( most species of Myotis are not easily distinguishable with bat detectors). Present in the Idaho panhandle (Groves and Marks 1985), but probably winters outside of the region. The California myotis is not listed by any federal agency. Natural Heritage Program rank: G5; S4. 13 Distribution of Myotis ciliolabrum on the Kootenai National Forest ■;;Xi^S,^ .«£•;; wJaSfSSSJ^-^J^i ^^^ -! ":-' ■■;:.,:-;-■,:: ' ;■:&": / :'-"-•- '■'::-i^->~-,^"'J ";:-:V ^"^-H^^ '■'■-- '. - '5^ ' •'"./•;» -■-.-;-'- -^-a.-i -' r'' .':--'^' ^^-■^0' 1 : -^ \ w^ ~* ^0 -w "t U ▼ 1995 data • 1993 & 1994 data ''■'^ Pre-1 993 data ^'■Y'" Museum specimens -^£:r4^> ; f Species locations from the Montana Natural Heritage Program May 1 7, 1 996 I b Western Small-footed Myotis {Myoiis ciliolabrum; formerly M leibii ciliolabrum) I Description: This is the smallest (3-7 g) bat in the area. Dorsal pelage is pale yellowish brown to golden brown, contrasting with the blackish ears (13-15 mm) and membranes. The most notable characteristic other than small size is the strongly-keeled calcar (the spur B projecting from the ankle which supports the uropatagium). Distribution: Ranges over much of western North America from southern Canada to northern Mexico. I Habitat and Habits: Appears to prefer more arid habitats, where it is associated with cliffs, talus, " clay buttes, and steep riverbanks. Roosts in crevices in buildings, trees, rock faces, and I clay banks, and may use spaces tmder and between talus and boulders. Hibemacula include caves and abandoned mines in central Montana (Swenson 1970) and Idaho (Center 1986). Tends to become active at dusk and forages low along cliffs and rocky ■ slopes rather than over water. Little information is available on reproduction. One of six females collected in Carter Coimty in late Jime to early July carried an embryo (Jones et al. 1973), and a lactating female was collected on 18 July (Lampe et al. 1974). Roemer 1(1994) captured a lactating female on 1 September on the Libby District. Status: Widespread, but with few records for Montana (Hofftnann and Pattie 1968, Hoffinaim et al. 1969); appears to be fairly common in Carter and Carbon Counties ( Jones et al. 11973, Worthington 1991). In western Montana, there are records from Mineral, Missoula, and Ravalli Counties (Hoffinaim et al. 1969); found at Osoyoos Lake, British Columbia and Lethbridge, Alberta (van Zyll de Jong 1985). Seven of 1 13 bats captured m^ by Roemer (1994) on the Kootenai National Forest were this species; it has been ■ ~ recorded from the Cabinet, Libby, and Rexford Districts (Appendix 4). While not noted during the 1 994 and 1 995 surveys, this species may have been present at sites where I Myotis sp. was detected (most species of Myotis are not easily distinguishable with bat detectors). The western small-footed myotis is not listed by any federal agency. Natural Heritage Program rank: G5; S4. I I 15 Distribution of Myotis evotis on the Kootenai National Forest ▼ 1995 data • 1993 & 1994 data ■'^-' Pre-1 993 data ^ Museum specimens Species locations from the Montana Natural Heritage Program November 1 4, 1 996 I. m Long-eared Myotis (Myotis evotis) Description: The ears of this bat are heavily pigmented (black and opaque) and are the longest (1 7-25 mm) of any American myotis; when pressed forward, ears extend >5 mm beyond the nose. Fur is long and glossy above, paler below. Posterior border of the uropatagium lacks a conspicuous fringe of hair. Weighs 6-8 g. Distribution: Ranges over much of the western North America from southern Canada south to New Mexico, Arizona, and southern California. I Habitat and Habits: This species is especially common around rocky habitat in coniferous forest. ' Uses sheds, cabins, caves, and abandoned mines for roosting sites; hibemacula are poorly J known, but abandoned coal mines have been used in northeastern Montana (Swenson and Shanks 1979); the are no overwinter records from British Columbia (Nagorsen et al. 1993). Females apparently form small maternity colonies, though this is poorly (documented. Pregnant females have been found in late June and early July in British Columbia (van Zyll de Jong 1985). A colony was found in an abandoned house in Glacier National Park (Lechleitner 1 967), and specimens have been obtained in Flathead i County around Kalispell (Hoffinarm et al. 1969); one male was collected on 8 September 1995 in Lincoln County. Roemer (1994) foimd lactating females on the Rexford District on 29 July and on the Libby District on 25 August; a lactating female was captured on 21 I August 1995 on the Rexford District. In 1994-1995 this species was detected at 28 sites in Augxist and September on the Kootenai National Forest (Appendix 3). This species is often encountered at late dusk himting among trees and over water. Status: Considered uncommon but wddespread in western Montana (HofSnann and Pattie 1968, Hoffinann et al. 1 969). Thirteen of 1 1 3 bats captured by Roemer (1 994) on the Kootenai National Forest were this species; it has been recorded from all Forest Districts (Appendix 4). In 1994-1995, this species was recorded from all Districts (Appendix 4). Present in the Idaho panhandle (Groves and Marks 1985). The long-eared myotis is not listed by any federal agency. Natural Heritage Program rank: G5; S4. 17 Distribution of Myotis lucifugus on the Kootenai National Forest *ti ■' ■ , ^i\.^^v -. '"m0j0^' -la^sifS ^^S ^ ^ \ f^ --J ■^. 1995 data 1993 & 1994 data Pre-1 993 data Museum specimens N ^ 1 VT^l )1 '■^ r'^ \Mr u Species locations from the Montana Natural Heritage Program May 1 7, 1 996 Little Brown Myotis (Myotis lucifugus) Description: Dorsal color is dark brown to buffy brown, often with a metallic coppery sheen; ears (13-15 mm) are about the same color as the dorsum and rounded. The tragus is relatively short and blunt. The uropatagium and wings are naked except along the proximal margins. The calcar is not keeled. Weighs 5-9 g. Distribution: From central Alaska south and east through most of Canada and the United States to central Mexico. Habitat and Habits: Widely distributed in a variety of habitats, but usually near water. Day roosts include caves, under bark, and in buildings. Hibemacula include caves and mines. Two were foimd hibernating in December near Sidney in eastern Montana (Swenson and Shanks 1 979) but most probably leave the state during the winter; several hibemacula have been foimd in Alberta (Schowalter et al. 1979), but there are only a few winter records of individuals for British Columbia (Nagorsen et al. 1993). This species prefers to hunt low over water and among trees. Maternity colonies are now most commonly found in buildings and are formed in May; young are bom in June and early July at this latitude. Status: This species is one of the most common bats in North America, and is considered common throughout Montana (Hoffinann and Pattie 1 968) and at lower elevations in Glacier National Park to the east (Lechleitner 1967). Fifty-nine of 1 13 bats captured by Roemer (1994) were this species; it has been recorded from all Forest Districts (Appendix 4). While not noted during the 1994-1995 surveys, this species may have been present at sites where Myotis sp. was detected (most species of Myotis are not easily distinguishable with bat detectors). Present in the Idaho panhandle (Groves and Marks 1985). The little brown myotis is not listed by any federal agency. Natural Heritage Program rank: G5; S5. Distribution of Myotis volans on the Kootenai National Forest /i V. y-^ u 1995 data 1993 & 1994 data Pre-1 993 data Museum specimens Species locations from the Montana Natural Heritage Program November 1 4, 1 996 Long-legged Myotis (Myolis volans) Description: A medium-sized (5-9 g) myotis; fiir color varies from reddish brown to nearly black. Ears are relatively short (8-16 mm), and blackish brown with rounded tips, just reaching nostrils when laid forward. Tragus is short wath a small, rounded basal lobe. Calcar is keeled. Underwing is densely-furred to a line from elbow to knee. Distribution: From northern British Columbia south to cenfral Mexico and east to the central Great Plains. Habitat and Habits: Inhabits forested regions in both conifers and mixed conifer-hardwoods. Roosts in trees, rock crevices, mines, caves, cracks and crevices in stream banks, and in buildings. Caves and old mines are used as hibemacuJa. Swenson and Shanks (1979) found hibernating males in a mine in northeastern Montana in December; there are no winter records of this species in British Columbia (Nagorsen et al. 1993), but hibemacula have been found in Alberta west of Edmonton (Schowalter 1980). It is often found at higher elevations up to treeline in summer (Fenton et al. 1983, Hoffmann et al. 1969, Pattie and Verbeek 1967). In Carter County, Montana, females with enlarged uteri have been collected in late May, females with embryos in late June, and lactating females in July and early August (Jones et al. 1973, Lampe et al. 1974). A lactating female was caught on the Three Rivers District on 15 July (Roemer 1994), and one was netted on the Rexford District on 22 August 1995. This species feeds over meadows and stream courses after emerging early in the evening. Status: Considered widespread but imcommon in Montana (Hoffinann and Pattie 1968); apparently scarce in Glacier National Park (Lechleitner 1967). Nine of 1 13 bats captured by Roemer (1994) were this species; it has been recorded from the Cabinet, Fisher River, Rexford, and Three Rivers Districts (Appendix 4). While not noted during the 1994 survey, this species may have been present at sites where Myotis sp. was detected ( most species of Myotis are not easily distinguishable with bat detectors). Present in the Idaho panhandle (Groves and Marks 1985). The long-legged myotis is not listed by any federal agency. Nattiral Heritage Program rank: G5; S4. 21 Distribution of Myotis yumanensis on the Kootenai National Forest ";^ ^ 1995 data • 1993 & 1994 data '''^ Pre-1 993 data -^ Museum specimens \ ;^'-..„. Species locations from the Montana Natural Heritage Program September 05, 1 996 i I I I f i f I I Yuma Myotis (Myolis yumanensis) Description: Closely resembles A/, lucifugns, but somewhat smaller with duller, shorter pelage. Basal fur on shoulders is lighter colored, and the ears are paler. Ears do not extend beyond the tip of the nose when pressed forward. Foot relatively large (9-10 mm); the calcar is not keeled. Distribution: In western North America from British Columbia to central Mexico, west of the 1 00th meridian. Habitat and Habits: Appears to be closely associated with water, often in relatively open terrain with sparse tree cover. Hibemacula include mines and caves; roosts include buildings, hollow trees and under bark, caves, and mines. Often found in mixed colonies with M lucifugus (Hofifinann and Pattie 1968). Females form maternity colonies, with young bom in June in British Columbia (Fenton et al. 1980, van Zyll de Jong 1985). Streams are important habitat for this species, it emerges shortly after dusk to forage low over rxinning water. Status: One of the more common bats in Montana west of the Continental Divide (Hofi&nann and Pattie 1968, Hoflmaim ei al. 1969), with specimens from Flaiuead County (West Glacier) south through the Flathead and Bitterroot Valleys. Seven were netted in 1995 on Marten Creek in the Cabinet District on 4 September, one of which was collected; these constitute the first record of this species on the Kootenai National Forest. While not noted during the 1994 survey, this species may have been present at sites where A/vo//5 sp. was detected (most species o^ Myotis are not easily distinguishable with bat detectors). Present in the Idaho panhandle (Groves and Marks 1985). Most individuals probably winter outside of the region; there are single winter records from Oregon (Perkins et al. 1990) and British Columbia (Nagorsen et al. 1993). The Yuma myotis is not listed by any federal agency. Natural Heritage Program rank: G5; S4. 23 Distribution of Lasionycteris noctivagans on the Kootenai National Forest ^ 1995 data • 1993 & 1994 data '^-' Pre- 1993 data A, ^'~ Museum specimens mmms Species locations from the Montana Natural Heritage Program May 1 7, 1 996 Silver-haired Bat (Lasionycteris noctivagans) Description: This bat can be distinguished from all other bats in the Northern Rocky Mountains by its distinctive coloration. The dorsal pelage is long, blackish brown, and "frosted" with silvery white. Membranes are blackish brown, ears are short (12-17 mm), rounded, and naked. The dorsal surface of the uropatagium is furred. Weighs 8-12 g. Distribution: Occurs throughout much of the United States and southern Canada north to southeastern Alaska and south to northern Mexico. Habitat and Habits: Found in a variety of forested habitats, sometimes in open country associated with stands of frees; preferably near ponds and sfreams. Few summer roosts have been described, but probable sites are behind bark or in free cavities. This bat is more common in buildings in autumn during migration. Hibemacula include free cavities, rock crevices and buildings, and infrequently in mines or caves. Most individuals probably migrate out of the area (Izor 1979), but winter records exist for British Columbia (Nagorsen er a/. 1993). In the Pacific Northwest, summer roosts are probably most abundant in old growth forests (Perkins and Cross 1988, Thomas 1988). This species is solitary, so it is rarely found in groups with more than 3-4 individuals. Mating occurs in autumn, and the young are usually bom in June. Volant yoimg and lactating females were caught in mid- July in Carter County, Montana (Jones et al. 1973). This species emerges early in the evening to forage around sfreet lights, among frees, and around standing water in a slow leisurely pattern low over the groimd. In 1994-1995 this species was detected on the Kootenai National Forest at one site in July, 23 sites in Augxist, and 23 sites in September (Appendix 3). Status: A fairly common summer resident in coniferous forest habitat throughout Montana (Hofftnann and Pattie 1968), locally common in Carter County, Montana (Jones et al. 1 973), and probably common in Glacier National Park (Lechleitner 1 967). Most individuals probably migrate out of the region in autumn. Seven of 1 13 bats captured by Roemer (1994) were this species; it has been recorded from all Forest Districts (Appendix 4). This species is present in the Idaho panhandle (Groves and Marks 1985). The silver-haired bat is not listed by any federal agency. Natural Heritage Program rank: G5; S4. 25 Distribution of Eptesicus fuscus on the Kootenai National Forest ' " ' ?.^5'^>^ ■ ▼ 1995 data • 1993 & 1994 data ''-'' Pre-1 993 data "V Museum specimens ■^ \,-yi Species locations from the Montana Natural Heritage Program May 1 7, 1 996 ^'Mit^^ Big Brown Bat {Eptesicus fuscus) Description: This species is easily distinguished from other bats in the Northern Rocky Mountains by its large size (only the Hoary Bat is larger); weight range is 16-30 g. Pelage is brown, with hair extending only slightly onto the wing and tail membranes. The dark-colored ears are of medium size (12-19 mm); the tragus is less than half the length of the ear and is blunt. Calcar is usually keeled. Tip of tail extends about 5 mm beyond tip of uropatagium. Distribution: Widespread across all of the United States and southern half of Canada south to northern South America. Habitat and Habits: Found in a variety of wooded and semi-open habitats. Colonial, often forming colonies in tree cavities, rock crevices and buildings. Hibemacula include caves and mines, buildings (attics) and other man-made structures; winter records exist from Alberta (Schowalter and Gunson 1979) and British Columbia (Nagorsen et al. 1993). Maternity colonies have been found in attics, bams in northeastern Montana (Swenson and Shanks 1979), and sometimes in tree cavities. Mating occurs in fall and winter. Pregnant females have been collected in Carter County, Montana in late June; lactating females have been collected in early July, and volant young have been collected in mid- July and early August (Jones et al. 1973); most young in Alberta are bom in late June (Schowalter and Gunson 1979). Emerges at twilight to hunt for an initial period of about five hours, after which activity declines; often forages over meadows, around yard lights, and along tree-lined streets. In 1994-1995 this species was detected on the Kootenai National Forest at one site in July, 27 sites in August, and 30 sites in September (Appendix 3). Status: Considered less common in Montana than elsewhere in the United States (Hoffinarm and Pattie 1968); uncommon in Glacier National Park (Lechleitner 1967), but the most common bat in Carter County, Montana (Jones et al. 1973). Present in the Idaho panhandle (Groves and Marks 1985). This species was detected on all Districts of the Kootenai National Forest in 1994 and 1995 (Appendix 4). The big brown bat is not listed by any federal agency. Natural Heritage Program rank: G5; S4. 27 Distribution of Lasiurus cinereus on the Kootenai National Forest /-,■ ^- 1995 data ^^ 1993 & 1994 data '/ Pre- 1993 data V^ Museum specimens Species locations from the Montana Natural Heritage Program May 1 7, 1 996 Hoary Bat {Lasiurus cinereus) Description: Can be distinguished from other bats by a combination of its large size (20-35 g) and distinctive coloration. Dorsal pelage varies from yellowish brown to mahogany, frosted with silver (imparting a "hoary" appearance). Hairs on the neck are longer than those on the back, forming a slight "ruff." The wings are furred outward to the level of the elbows, and the dorsal surface of the uropatagium is covered with dense ftir. There is a yellowish white patch on each shoulder and a cream-colored spot near the wrist. Ears are short (1 7-20 mm) and broad, and the calcar is moderately keeled. Distribution: Widespread across southern Canada south through the United States to northern South America. Habitat and Habits: Occurs in many places during migration, but found in wooded habitats during the breeding season. This species has not been found wintering in the region (Nagorsen et al. 1993) although there is a winter record from western Washington (Perkins et al. 1990); arrives in this region in June (Findley and Jones 1964). Day roosts (about 3-5 m above ground) are mostly in trees, well-covered with vegetation above and open below; apparently both deciduous and coniferous frees are used. Enters caves, mines, and houses only rarely. Solitary or in small family groups during summer, although larger aggregations may form during migration. Mating may take place before migration or on the wintering grounds; females are pregnant by the time they migrate north. Lactating females and volant young have been collected in July in the Long Pines and Ekalaka Hills of Carter County, Montana (Jones et al. 1973). This species emerges later in the evening than other species and is a swift flyer; it flies low, occasionally impaling itself on barbed-wire fences. This bat regularly emits a chattering during flight that is audible to the human ear. Usually found at lower elevations; summer roosts may be most abundant in old growth forests (Perkins and Cross 1988, Thomas 1988). In 1994-1995 this species was detected at six sites in August and seven in September (Appendix 3). Status: Hoffinaim and Pattie (1968) indicated that there are relatively few records for Montana, and the species is hypothetical for Glacier National Park (Lechleitner 1967). It is, however, a common summer resident in Carter County (Jones et al. 1973), and Worthington (1991) captured several in southern Carbon County. Present in the Idaho panhandle (Groves and Marks 1985). In 1994-1995, this species was recorded from all Districts (Appendix 4). The Hoary Bat is not listed by any federal agency. Natural Heritage Program rank: G5; S4 29 Distribution of Plecotus townsendii on the Kootenai National Forest ^ 1995 data • 1993& 1994data "''• Pre- 19 93 data '~ Museum specimens Species locations from the Montana Natural Heritage Program May 1 7, 1996 I I r«l Townsend's Big-eared Bat (Corynorhinus [=Plecotus] townsendii) Description: Easily distinguished from other bats in the region. A medium-sized (8-12 g) bat with very long (30-39 mm) ears and two prominent masses on the lateral surface of the snout between the eyes. Wings and tail membranes are hairless, dorsal pelage is brownish with individual hairs grayish at the base and cinnamon to brownish at the tip. Distribution: In western North America, from southwestern Canada to southern Mexico east to western Kansas, Oklahoma, and the Northern Great Plains; also in a narrow band in northern Arkansas east to West Virginia. Habitat and Habits: Usually found associated with desert shrublands, pinyon-juniper woodlands, and dry to wet coniferous forests. A cave dweller for both day roosts and hibemacula; Lewis and Clark Caverns, Jefferson County, is a regular hibemaculum (Hof&nann and Pattie 1968, Hoffinaim et al. 1969). Also frequently found in abandoned mines in central and eastern Montana (Hof&naim et al. 1969, Swenson 1972, Swenson and Shanks 1979); one individual was found in the Snowstorm Mine (Three Rivers District) on 8 September 1995. Overwinters regtilarly in British Coliunbia (Nagorsen et al. 1993). A colony was found in late September in an abandoned farm house in Richland County, Montana (Swenson and Shanks 1979). Females form maternity colonies in warmer parts of caves and mines. Mating occurs in fall and winter. Disperses from large caves in late spring to form maternity colonies in smaller caves and buildings. Emerges well after dark and is a slow and agile flyer. In 1994-1995 this species was detected on the Kootenai National Forest at two sites in Jidy, ten sites in August, and 24 sites in September (Appendix 3). Status: Uncommon in western and central Montana (Hof&nann and Pattie 1 968). Found throughout northwestern Montana, with specimens from Flathead and Sanders Counties (Hof&nann er a/. 1969). Present in the Idaho panhandle (Groves and Marks 1985). This species was found en all Disticts durirg the 1994-199'^ surveys (Appendix 4). Townsend's big-eared bat is listed by the U. S. Forest Service (Region 1) as Sensitive. Natural Heritage Program rank: G4; S2S3 on Species of Special Concern list for Montana. 31 Species Potentially Present on the Kootenai National Forest Fringed Myotis (Myotis thysanodes) Description: A medium-sized (5-8 g) large-eared myotis. Dorsal pelage varies from medium brown to pale buff, the individual hairs being grayish-black basally. Ears and membranes are blackish brown and often contrast with the pelage color; ears (17-21 mm) extend 3-5 mm beyond nostrils when pressed forward. Calcar lacks a distinct keel. A fringe of conspicuous pale, straw-colored hairs extends posteriorly 1-2 mm beyond the edge of the uropatagium. Distribution: From southern British Columbia south to southern Mexico and east to western North and South Dakota. Habitat and Habits: This bat seems to prefer montane and upland forests, but also appears in desert scrub and some non-wooded areas. Commonly roosts in buildings, but also uses caves and abandoned mines. Hibemacula include old mines and caves. Females form maternity colonies of up to several hundred individuals in summer. These bats are often observed at dusk foraging along water courses and over standing water. Status: Rare in western Montana in summer (Hofftnaim and Pattie 1968); specimens exist for RavalU, Missoula, and Lewis and Clark Counties (Hofiftnann et al. 1969). The fringed myotis is not listed by any federal agency. Natural Heritage Program rank: G5; S3 on Species of Special Concern list for Montana. 32 RECOMMENDATIONS 1) Due to limited time in the field during the 1994 and 1995 surveys, and the in-hand examination of few bats, the status and distribution of bats on the Kootenai National Forest reported here should not be considered definitive. Although several collections of bats have been made in northwestern Montana over the years, most field efforts in the region have been brief (less than one month) and not comprehensive; the Kootenai National Forest is notable for the absence of data on its bat fauna, although the region is now better-known than many areas in the state. Information fi-om the various surveys is beginning to reveal a more complete picture of the bat fauna and its habitat associations in the region. Additional summer survey work should be done on all Districts, with emphasis on studies designed to determine the importance of forest structure and stand treatments to bats in the Northern Rocky Mountains. More survey work should be conducted in June and July to determine if bat presence or use of each habitat type is constant during summer. Currently, this kind of information is available only for sites in the Cascades, although the survey data presented in this report are suggestive and consistent with those studies. Use of mist-nets in conjunction with ultra-soimd detectors is encouraged. 2) Kenelty Cave (see Campbell 1978) in the Fisher River District (T26N R29W S4) was not surveyed in 1994 or 1995; it should be checked to determine if it is presently used by bats, either as a summer roost or hibemaculum. Inspection should be done by experienced bat biologists in order to minimize disturbance during summer and to avoid awakening bats and causing mortality during hibernation in winter. If used by bats, restricted visitor access to this site may be warranted to prevent abandonment. 3) Additional abandoned mines and buildings on Forest Service land should also be checked for hibernating and summer-roosting bats if possible. Underground mines can be checked for summer bat activity by stretching mist-nets across adits at dusk and recording captures. Autumn inspection of mines may reveal the presence of hibernating individuals. Records should be kept of any hibernating or roosting bats found, including locality, species present, number, and date. 4) Life history information and ecology is poorly known for most bat species in northwestern Montana. Any specimens obtained should be preserved. Locality, date, and reproductive status should be documented. This is especially true for the western small-footed myotis {Myotis ciliolabrum) and fringed myotis {Myotis thysanodes). 5) If Great Homed Owl or other owl roosts and nest sites are known, pellets could be routinely collected and examined for bat remains. A number of nocturnal raptors prey on bats opportimisticaiiy (e.g., see Mattson 1995), and sometimes systematically. American Kestrels will also prey on bats, and their pellets could be examined as well. 33 6) Large trees with natural cavities should not be removed. Besides providing nesting and roosting sites for birds, some bats will use them for the same purposes (see Gellman and Zielinski 1996, Mattson et al. 1996, Wunder and Carey 1996). 7) Because bats are vagile, some species may go undetected unless routine and long-term monitoring is conducted. Such a program would be unprecedented in Montana and could potentially provide a wealth of information on bat biology currently unavailable for this region. 34 BIBLIOGRAPHY Barbour, R. W., and W. H. Davis. 1969. Bats of America. Univ. Press of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky. 286 pp. Barclay, R. M. R. 1986. The echolocation calls of Hoary {Lasiurus cinereus) and Silver-haired {Lasionycteris noctivagans) bats as adaptations for long- versus short-range foraging strategies and the consequences for prey selection. Can. J. Zool. 64:2700-2705. Campbell, L. A., J. G. Hallett, and M. A. O'Connell. 1996. Conservation of bats in managed forests: use of roosts by Lasionycteris noctivagans. J. Mamm. 77:976-984. Campbell, N. P. 1978. Caves of Montana. Mont. Bur. Mines Geol. Bull. 105. 169 pp. Clark, T. W., A. H. Harvey, R. D. Dom, D. L. Center, and C. Groves, eds. 1989. Rare, sensitive, and threatened species of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. Northern Rockies Conservation Cooperative, Montana Natural Heritage Program, The Nature Conservancy, and Mountain West Environmental Services. 153 pp. Clark, T. W., and M. R. Stromberg. 1987. Mammals in Wyoming. Univ. Kan. Mus. Nat Hist., Pub. Ed. Ser. No. 10. 314 pp. Cristy, R. E., and S. D. West. 1993. Biology of bats in Douglas-fir forests. Gen. Tech. Rep. PNW-GTR-308. Portland, OR: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Research Station. 28 pp. Dobkin, D. S., R. D. Gettinger, and M. G. Gerdes. 1995. Springtime movements, roost use, and foraging of Townsend's Big-eared Bat {Plecotm townsendii) in central Oregon. Great Basin Nat. 55:315-321. Erickson, J. L. 1993. Bat activity in managed forests of the southwestern Cascade Range. Master's Thesis, Univ. Washington. 66 pp. Fenton, M. B., and R. M. R. Barclay. 1980. Myotis lucifugus. Mammalian Species No. 142. 8 pp. Fenton, M. B., and G. P. Bell. 1979. Echolocation and feeding behavior of four species of Myotis (Chiroptera). Can. J. Zool. 57:1271-1277. Fenton, M. B., and G. P. Bell. 1981. Recognition of species of insectivorous bats by their echolocation calls. J. Mamm. 62:233-243. Fenton, M. B., H. G. Merriam, and G. L. Hokoyd. 1983. Bats of Kootenay, Glacier, and Mount Revelstoke national parks in Canada: identification by echolocation calls, distribution, and biology. Can. J. Zool. 61:2503-2508. Fenton, M. B., C. G. van Zyll de Jong, G. P. Bell, D. B. Campbell, and M. Laplante. 1980. Distribution, parturition, and feeding of bats in south-central British Columbia. Can. Field-Nat. 94:416-420. Findley, J. S., and C. Jones. 1964. Seasonal distribution of the Hoary Bat. J. Mamm. 45:461-470. Fitch, J. H., and K. A. Shump. 1979. Myotis keenii. Mammalian Species No. 121. 3 pp. Flath, D. L. 1 98 1 . Vertebrate species of special concern. Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Parks. 74 pp. Furlonger, C. L., H. J. Dewar, and M. B. Fenton. 1987. Habitat use by foraging insectivorous bats. Can. J. Zool. 65:284-288. 35 Garber, C. S. 1991 . A survey for Townsend's Big-eared Bat (Plecotus townsendii) and the Spotted bat {Euderma maculatum) on Bridger-Teton and Targhee National Forests in Wyoming. Unpub. report, Wyoming Natural Diversity Database, Laramie, Wyoming. 75 pp. Gellman, S. T., and W. J. Zielinski. 1996. Use by bats of old-growth redwood hollows on the north coast of California. J. Mamm. 77:255-265. Center, D. L. 1986. Winteringbatsof the upper Snake River Plain: occurrence in lava-tube caves. Great Basin Nat. 46:24 1 -244. Groves, C. R., and J. S. Marks. 1985. Annotated checklist of Idaho vertebrates. Tebiwa 22:10-27. Hendricks, P., K. Jurist, D. L. Genter, and J. D. Reichel. 1995. Bat survey of the Sioux District, Custer National Forest: 1994. Montana Natural Heritage Program. Helena, MT. 41pp. Hendricks, P., K. Jurist, D. L. Genter, and J. D. Reichel. 1995. 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