A bat survey in State Forests on the south-west slopes region of New South Wales with suggestions of improvements for future surveys
1998
Law, Bradley | Anderson, Jason | Chidel, Mark
Ten State Forests on the south-west slops 01 New South Wales were surveyed for bats at 39 forest sites and 24 water-bodies using ultra-sonic bat detectors, harp-traps, mist-nets and trip-lines. Thirteen species of bats were recorded for the region. Many species were widespread. with six of the 13 species recorded at more than 50% of sites; however four occurred at less than 20% of sites. Each State Forest sampled supported at least eight species. The species of bats present were representative of the biogeographical region of the study area, lying in the transitional zone between moist climates of the east and arid environments to the west. Within the range of elevations sampled (390-1 419 m). <i>Chalinolobus gouldii, Vespadelus vulturnus, Mormopterus planiceps</i> lp and <i>Scotorepens balstoni</i> were either absent or maintained lower activity levels above 1000 m. Bat activity and species richness was also low in forests typical of the most extreme climate (Snow Gum/Black Sallee), however no differences were found between forests with other floristic associations. Structural complexity appeared more important. as it was related to greater activity levels and higher species richness. Targetting water-bodies increased the efficiency of our survey as the number of bat passes recorded over water-bodies was three times greater than at forest sites. The use of Delay Switches revealed temporal differences in activity for a number of species. it is suggested that bat surveys should attempt to sample the entire night and only Compare activity recorded in the same time period.
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