Effective conservation of subterranean‐roosting bats

Abstract

Bats frequently inhabit caves and other subterranean habitats and play a critical role in subterranean food webs. With escalating threats to subterranean ecosystems, identifying the most effective measures to protect subterranean‐roosting bats is critical. We conducted a meta‐analysis to evaluate the effectiveness of conservation and management interventions for subterranean‐roosting bats. We used network analyses to determine to what extent interventions for bats overlap those used for other subterranean taxa. We conducted our analyses with data extracted from 345 papers recommending a total of 910 conservation interventions. Gating of roost entrances was applied to preserve bat populations in 21 studies, but its effectiveness was unclear. Habitat restoration and disturbance reduction positively affected bat populations and bat behavior, respectively, in ≤4 studies. Decontamination was assessed in 2 studies and positively affected bat populations, particularly in studies focused on reducing fungal spores associated with white‐nose syndrome in North America. Monitoring of bat populations as an effective conservation strategy was unclear and infrequently tested. Only 4% of bat studies simultaneously considered other subterranean organisms. However, effective interventions for bat conservation had similarities with all other organisms. If other subterranean organisms are considered when applying interventions to conserve bats, they might also benefit.

The behavioural costs of overcrowding for gregarious cave‐dwelling bats

“…Bats usually choose particular roosting locations and conditions influenced by various ecological factors, including safety being one of them (Lima et al., 2005; Lima & O'Keefe, 2013). Conservationists can prioritise the protection of these sites to ensure the continued well‐being of bat populations (Meierhofer et al., 2023; Tanalgo et al., 2022). More importantly, we highlight the importance of recognising the link between understanding bat social behaviour and the conservation of roosting sites, underscoring the need to consider roost behaviour and a nuanced approach to bat conservation, significantly as the loss or disturbance of roosts may drive overcrowding at remaining sites.…”

“…aggression, antipredator behaviour, caves, ethology, group size effects half of bat species (679, 48%), probably because they reduce the risk of predation and provide thermally stable environments in which bats can safely shelter themselves (Furey & Racey, 2016;Tanalgo et al, 2022). Many cave-dwelling bats are hypersocial and their guano can form the basis of food webs in cave communities (Meierhofer et al, 2023). Colonies can host millions of individuals and some species cluster in tight groups (Barros et al, 2020;Phelps et al, 2016).…”

Global Subterranean Biodiversity: A Unique Pattern

“…The species Miniopterus schreibersi Kuhl, 1817, emblematic of conservation efforts in Europe, is also gate-sensitive. The effectiveness of gating caves for bat protection was determined to be inconclusive based on a meta-analysis of 21 case studies [156]. Gates placed externally to the cave entrance are in any case less of a deterrent to bats.…”

Too many men in the room? The cost of overcrowding for gregarious male cave-dwelling bats

“…Bats usually choose particular roosting locations and conditions influenced by various ecological factors, with safety being one of them (Lima et al, 2005;Lima & O'Keefe, 2013). Conservationists can prioritise the protection of these sites to ensure the continued well-being of bat populations (Meierhofer et al, 2023;Tanalgo et al, 2022). More importantly, we highlight the importance of recognising the link between understanding bat social behaviour and the conservation of roosting sites, underscoring the need to consider roost behaviour and a nuanced approach to bat conservation, significantly as loss or disturbance of roosts may drive over-crowding at remaining sites.…”

“…Caves are one of the most important roosting sites for roughly half of the species (679, 48%), which serve as sites for many bat species, likely because they reduce the risk of predation and provide thermally stable environments in which bats can safely shelter (Furey & Racey, 2016;Tanalgo et al, 2022). Large proportions of cave-dwelling bats are hyper-social, and their guano can form the basis of food webs in cave communities (Meierhofer et al, 2023).…”