Bat hibernacula surveys in Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve: 2014 status report
Stefanic T and Rodhouse TJ. 2015. Bat hibernacula surveys in Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve: 2014 status report. Natural Resource Data Series. NPS/UCBN/NRDS—2015/800. National Park Service. Fort Collins, Colorado
In the winter of 2014, thirty-four of Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve’s (CRMO) 400+ known caves were searched for hibernating bats. While most of these caves were apparently empty of bats, 4 new hibernacula were documented (Rio Grande, Low Tide, Ice Lake, and First Chance caves). Additionally, bats were found hibernating in Arco Tunnel, One More Chance and Needles cave which were previously known hibernacula. Bats in the newly discovered hibernacula were identified as Townsend’s big-eared bats (Corynorhinus townsendii) and Western small-footed myotis (Myotis ciliolabrum). A new high count of 38 bats was recorded in Arco Tunnel. Twenty-five of the cave surveys were revisits and 9 caves were checked for the first time. These surveys have doubled the number (to 8) of known hibernacula on CRMO, and added knowledge concerning hibernating bat preference of cave characteristics, including location within caves. To date, about 25% of caves deemed suitable for hibernation have been occupied.
- Type
- Published Report
- Authors
- Stefanic, Todd; Rodhouse, Thomas
- Date of Issue
- 2015-05
- Publisher
- National Park Service
- Units
- CRMO , NRSS , UCBN
- Keywords
- Bat, bat monitoring, Hibernacula, Surveys