Analysis of microhabitat characteristics at roost sites of Cerulean Warblers

Delancey, Clayton D.; Islam, Kamal

doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0241501

Cited by 3 publications

(1 citation statement)

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“…Roosts provide sites for animals to escape predation and inclement weather conditions and to conduct crucial fitness-related activities such as copulation and lactation (Kunz, 1982). The selection of roosts is known to be influenced by various factors, including temperature, humidity, access to feeding sites, or increased protection against predators (Barros et al, 2020; Boonman, 2000; Delancey and Islam, 2020; Kerth et al, 2001; Rogers et al, 2006). However, other aspects of a species’ biology can limit the range of roosting resources that can be exploited, including biomechanical constraints.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Landing manoeuvres predict roost-site preferences in bats

Chaverri

Araya‐Salas

Barrantes

et al. 2022

Preprint

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Roosts are vital for the survival of many species, and how individuals choose one site over another is affected by various ecological factors. Biomechanical constraints could also affect roost selection, particularly in volant taxa that require sites with easy access, thereby reducing costs (i.e., predation, accidents). To date, no studies have established an association between landing performance and roost-site selection, as predicted by biomechanical constraints associated with flight. We aim to determine roost-site selection in disc-winged bats (Thyroptera tricolor), a species known to roost within developing tubular leaves. This study is coupled with various experiments that measure how a conspicuous apex affects landing tactics and performance. We show that T. tricolor prefers leaves with a longer apex, the space typically used for landing. Bats also approach and enter these leaves more consistently, increasing task performance while reducing the risk of injuries.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Landing manoeuvres predict roost-site preferences in bats

Chaverri

Araya‐Salas

Barrantes

et al. 2022

Preprint

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Home ranges, habitat selection, and energy expenditure of Strix varia (Barred Owls): Understanding the full diel cycle matters for enhancing urban landscapes

Jirinec,

Bresnan,

Clément

et al. 2024

Ornithological Applications

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We integrated GPS and accelerometer data to examine habitat selection and energy expenditure patterns across the diel cycle in Strix varia (Barred Owls), addressing a critical gap in wildlife research that often overlooks activity during the “inactive” phase. Owls in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, selected forests with tall canopies and open understories, particularly in affluent neighborhoods, supporting the “luxury effect” in urban biodiversity. Nocturnal home ranges were larger (31.8 ha) compared to diurnal home ranges (8.9 ha), indicating broader habitat use at night. The total area of preferred nocturnal habitat was 33% of the Baton Rouge study area, whereas preferred diurnal habitat comprised only 5%. Energy expenditure was inversely related to preference in nocturnal home ranges but increased with preference in diurnal home ranges. Our models were validated using independent data from Clemson, South Carolina, supporting the robustness of our analysis and revealing generalities in owl habitat selection across these regions. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of urban ecology, highlighting habitat components preferred by owls and possibly other forest-dwelling species. It emphasizes the difference in nocturnal and diurnal home range sizes, the scarcity of daytime refuges for S. varia in urban landscapes, and the variation in energy expenditure in preferred habitats. Our findings advocate for urban designs that accommodate wildlife activity throughout the day and night, and highlight the positive correlation between preferred owl habitat and affluent neighborhoods, underscoring the need for equitable distribution of green spaces to foster biodiversity across socioeconomic gradients. These insights will help develop strategies to enhance the ecological value of urban environments and the conservation of S. varia and associated forest-dwelling species in rapidly urbanizing areas.

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Landing manoeuvres predict roost-site preferences in bats

Chaverri

Araya‐Salas

Barrantes

et al. 2022

Journal of Experimental Biology

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Roosts are vital for the survival of many species, and how individuals choose one site over another is affected by various factors. In bats, for example, species may use stiff roosts such as caves or compliant ones such as leaves; each type requires not only specific morphological adaptations but also different landing manoeuvres. Selecting a suitable roost within those broad categories may increase landing performance, reducing accidents and decreasing exposure time to predators. We address whether bats select specific roost sites based on the availability of a suitable landing surface, which could increase landing performance. Our study focuses on Spix's disc-winged bats (Thyroptera tricolor), a species known to roost within developing tubular leaves. Since previous studies show that this species relies on the leaves’ apex for safe landing and rapid post-landing settlement, we predict that bats will prefer to roost in tubular structures with a longer apex and that landing will be consistently more effective on those leaves. Field observations showed that T. tricolor predominantly used two species for roosting, Heliconia imbricata and Calathea lutea, but they preferred roosting in the former. The main difference between these two plant species was the length of the leaf's apex (longer in H. imbricata). Experiments in a flight cage also show that bats use more consistent approach and landing tactics when accessing leaves with a longer apex. Our results suggest that landing mechanics may strongly influence resource selection, especially when complex manoeuvres are needed to acquire those resources.

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Analysis of microhabitat characteristics at roost sites of Cerulean Warblers

Cited by 3 publications

References 46 publications

Landing manoeuvres predict roost-site preferences in bats

Landing manoeuvres predict roost-site preferences in bats

Home ranges, habitat selection, and energy expenditure of Strix varia (Barred Owls): Understanding the full diel cycle matters for enhancing urban landscapes

Landing manoeuvres predict roost-site preferences in bats

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