Monitoring the Colony Size and Population Fluctuations of the Endangered Mexican Long-Nosed Bat in Big Bend National Park Using Thermal Imaging
Ammerman LK. 2012. Monitoring the Colony Size and Population Fluctuations of the Endangered Mexican Long-Nosed Bat in Big Bend National Park Using Thermal Imaging
The purpose of this project was to use thermal infrared imaging technology to determine colony size of the migratory, endangered, Mexican long-nosed bat in Emory Cave in Big Bend National Park Texas in July of 2017 during the peak in abundance of their primary food source (Agave nectar). Ammerman et al. (2009) concluded that thermal imaging techniques make a more accurate census of this colony possible and have several advantages over traditional census methods. Since that initial study in 2005, colony size at Emory Cave has been estimated using thermal imaging in 2008 through 2014. Colony size of Leptonycteris has ranged from a low of 294 individuals in 2008, to a high of 3238 individuals in 2009 (Ammerman and Tabor 2008, Ammerman 2009, 2010). I conclude that the colony size in 2012 was at least 2443 Leptonycteris individuals and 108 individuals of “other” species (such as Myotis and Corynorhinus that occupy the cave), for a total of 2551 bats. All computer files of the emergences are available from L. Ammerman, Angelo State University.
- Type
- Unpublished Report
- Authors
- Ammerman, Loren
- Date of Issue
- 2012-12
- Units
- BIBE
- Keywords
- Endangered Species, Infared Thermal Imaging, Mexican long-nosed bat, Population Monitoring
- Subjects
- Ecological Framework: Biological Integrity | At-risk Biota | T&E Species and Communities