SEASONAL ACTIVITY OF THE PALLID BAT (ANTROZOUS PALLIDUS) IN NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

Cameron Divoky; California State University, Chico; cdivoky@mail.csuchico.edu; Trevor Moore, Colleen A. Hatfield, Shahroukh Mistry

Antrozous pallidus is a Species of Special Concern in California and listed as a State Vulnerable species. It is known to roost in the crevices of rock-faces throughout western North America. Previous studies of A. pallidus have focused mainly on behavior and roosting patterns, with limited information available on long-term seasonal activity. The aim of this study is to examine the patterns of seasonal activity in A. pallidus at three sites in northern California, ranging from the Central Valley (60m) to the Cascades (1550m). Antrozous pallidus activity was documented daily using acoustic data loggers at the Eagle Lake Field Station, Big Chico Creek Ecological Reserve and the CSU Chico University Farm. We examined pallid bat acoustic activity across all three sites for a duration of up to three years. Bat species identity was established using SonoBat software. Antrozous pallidus showed the greatest seasonal activity in the summer (June-July) with minimal activity during the winter months (November - February). This pattern was most noticeable at BCCER, with significantly lower activity levels at the other two sites. This indicates seasonal migratory activity by pallid bats and a preference for oak woodland habitat, with adjoining rock outcrops, over valley agricultural landscapes.

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