Rates of seasonal fuel loading do not differ by sex or overwintering strategy in three species of bats

Weller, Theodore J; Clerc, Jeff; Lau, Matthew J; Johnson, Nels G

doi:10.1093/jmammal/gyad088

Cited by 2 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 55 publications

(112 reference statements)

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

“…Similar to other temperate zone bats, body masses of common noctules varied seasonally with the lowest body mass recorded at the end of hibernation and highest body mass recorded in summer [4,70]. The average body mass fluctuation of individuals recorded in both season was ~ 7 g, demonstrating that bats can experience a 25% change in body mass over the course of a year.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 54%

Effects of tag mass on the physiology and behaviour of common noctule bats

Kelling,

Currie,

Troxell

et al. 2024

Mov Ecol

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Background External tags, such as transmitters and loggers, are often used to study bat movements. However, physiological and behavioural effects on bats carrying tags have rarely been investigated, and recommendations on the maximum acceptable tag mass are rather based on rules of thumb than on rigorous scientific assessment. Methods We conducted a comprehensive three-step assessment of the potential physiological and behavioural effects of tagging bats, using common noctules Nyctalus noctula as a model. First, we examined seasonal changes in body mass. Second, we predicted and then measured potential changes in flight metabolic rate in a wind tunnel. Third, we conducted a meta-analysis of published data to assess effects of different tag masses on the weight and behaviour of bats. Results Individual body mass of common noctules varied seasonally by 7.0 ± 2.6 g (range: 0.5–11.5 g). Aerodynamic theory predicted a 26% increase in flight metabolic rate for a common noctule equipped with a 3.8 g tag, equating to 14% of body mass. In a wind tunnel experiment, we could not confirm the predicted increase for tagged bats. Our meta-analysis revealed a weak correlation between tag mass and emergence time and flight duration in wild bats. Interestingly, relative tag mass (3–19% of bat body mass) was not related to body mass loss, but bats lost more body mass the longer tags were attached. Notably, relatively heavy bats lost more mass than conspecifics with a more average body mass index. Conclusion Because heavy tags (> 3 g) were generally used for shorter periods of time than lighter tags (~ 1 g), the long-term effects of heavy tags on bats cannot be assessed at this time. Furthermore, the effects of disturbance and resource distribution in the landscape cannot be separated from those of tagging. We recommend that tags weighing 5–10% of a bat’s mass should only be applied for a few days. For longer studies, tags weighing less than 5% of a bat's body mass should be used. To avoid adverse effects on bats, researchers should target individuals with average, rather than peak, body mass indices.

show abstract

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 54%

Effects of tag mass on the physiology and behaviour of common noctule bats

Kelling,

Currie,

Troxell

et al. 2024

Mov Ecol

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

Re‐weighing the 5% tagging recommendation: assessing the potential impacts of tags on the behaviour and body condition of bats

Meierhofer,

Tena,

Lilley

et al. 2024

Mammal Review

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Considerable advances and breakthroughs in wildlife tracking technology have occurred in recent years, allowing researchers to gain insights into the movements and behaviours of a broad range of animals. Considering the accessibility and increase in use of tracking devices in wildlife studies, it is important to better understand the effects on these on animals. Our endeavour revisits a guideline established in 1988, which proposes that bats may encounter body condition or health problems and alter their behaviour when carrying tags weighing more than 5% of their body mass. Through a systematic literature review, we conducted a meta‐analysis to identify the impacts of tags on bats, including 367 papers from 1976 to 2023 that discussed, mentioned, employed, or quantified tagging of bats. We noted that the proportion of studies exceeding the 5% rule has not changed in recent years. However, the impact of tags was quantified in few studies for behaviour (n = 7) and body condition (n = 10) of bats. We were unable to assess whether tags weighing less or more than 5% of the bat's body mass impacted bats, but our meta‐analysis did identify that tags, irrespective of mass, affect the behaviour and body condition of bats. Although the overall magnitude of measured effects of tags on bats was small, progress has been made to advance our understanding of tag mass on bats. Naturally, there is a bias in reporting of significant results, illustrating the need of reporting results when there is no apparent effect of tags on bats. Our findings highlight the need for rigorous reporting of behaviour and body condition data associated with tagging of animals and illustrate the importance for studies comparing how tracking devices of different dimensions and masses may impact bat species to ensure research meets rigorous ethical standards.

show abstract

Rates of seasonal fuel loading do not differ by sex or overwintering strategy in three species of bats

Cited by 2 publications

References 55 publications

Effects of tag mass on the physiology and behaviour of common noctule bats

Effects of tag mass on the physiology and behaviour of common noctule bats

Re‐weighing the 5% tagging recommendation: assessing the potential impacts of tags on the behaviour and body condition of bats

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About