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1 June 2008 Habitat selection by Geoffroy's bats (Myotis emarginatus) in a rural Mediterranean landscape: implications for conservation
Carles Flaquer, Xevi Puig-Montserrat, Albert Burgas, Danilo Russo
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Abstract

Most of the little information available on the foraging ecology of the threatened Geoffroy's bat Myotis emarginatus refers to areas outside the Mediterranean Basin. In this study, we analysed habitat selection by this species in a typical Mediterranean landscape. We radio-tracked a breeding colony (adults and juveniles) in the Iberian Peninsula and analysed habitat selection patterns. Although we confirmed the species' preference for forest, olive groves also appeared an important foraging habitat for both adults and juveniles. Juveniles proved to be less mobile than adults, moving on average 1.6 km less than adults in displacements to foraging sites and preferred more accessible habitats. We highlight here the importance of traditionally managed olive groves as foraging sites for this threatened bat. The ripping-up of ancient olive groves and their replacement by intensively managed cropland, urban areas or shrubland represents a significant threat for this vulnerable species in Mediterranean landscapes.

Carles Flaquer, Xevi Puig-Montserrat, Albert Burgas, and Danilo Russo "Habitat selection by Geoffroy's bats (Myotis emarginatus) in a rural Mediterranean landscape: implications for conservation," Acta Chiropterologica 10(1), 61-67, (1 June 2008). https://doi.org/10.3161/150811008X331090
Received: 14 August 2007; Accepted: 4 March 2008; Published: 1 June 2008
KEYWORDS
foraging
juveniles
Mediterranean
Myotis emarginatus
olives
traditional farmland
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