The biological importance and degree of expression of roost fidelity in Townsend's big-eared bat (Corynorhinus townsendii) remains largely unknown. While reports of movement among and between roosts have been noted, it is unclear whether these movements were a result of human disturbance or part of some unknown, but normal, pattern of bat behavior. Current management and conservation strategies assume that C. townsendii exhibits strong roost fidelity across space and through time. We investigated the validity of this assumption at roosts throughout the Great Basin. Movement among roosts was common throughout the study area, with a high degree of intra/inter-seasonal variation observed. However, at larger temporal scales (i.e., across years), patterns of use became apparent. Differences in liability were noted between roost types, with use of caves more static (through space and time) than use of mines. The implications of these findings on management and conservation efforts are discussed.
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