Effect of Group Selection Silviculture in Bottomland Hardwoods on the Spatial Activity Patterns of Bats

• Published in: Forest ecology and management 2002-06, Vol.162 (2), p.209-209
• Main Authors: Menzel, Michael A, Carter, Timothy C, Menzel, Jennifer M, d, WMark, Chapman, Brian R
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0378-1127

On the Savanna River Site in the Upper Coastal Plain physiographic province, SC, the effect of group selection timber harvest in a stand of bottomland hardwoods on the activity patterns of bats was studied. Levels of bat foraging and feeding activity were compared among unharvested areas, gaps, and skidder trails within the stand in which the group selection harvest had occurred, and among different locations within a gap and forest surrounding the gap. A D-100 heterodyne bat detector was used to compare levels of foraging and feeding activity among stands, and broadband ultrasonic detectors were used within a stand. The average number of bat passes recorded in unharvested bottomland hardwoods was determined to be significantly lower than that recorded around Carolina bays and the group selection timber harvest stand. Within a stand, the total number of bat passes recorded was significantly greater in gaps and skidder trails than in forested areas. Significantly more passes were recorded by detectors located at the edge and in the center of gaps than by detectors located in the forest. The overall results suggested that linear landscape elements produced during group selection timber harvesting increased the levels of foraging and feeding activity by bats.