Should I Stay or Should I Go? Fission–Fusion Dynamics in Bats

Patriquin, Krista J.; Ratcliffe, John M.

doi:10.1007/978-3-319-38953-0_4

Cited by 15 publications

(21 citation statements)

References 179 publications

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“…Many bat species demonstrate non-random social structure including stable social relationships persisting for years, despite frequent roost switching and fission-fusion dynamics (reviewed by [4,7,8]). For example, preferred associations are evident in philopatric female vampire bats, Desmodus rotundus [9][10][11], female Bechstein's bats, Myotis bechsteinii [3,12,13], male Jamaican fruit-eating bats, Artibeus jamaicensis [14,15], and both male and female Spix's disk-winged bats, Thyroptera tricolor [16,17].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Social structure and relatedness in the fringe-lipped bat (Trachops cirrhosus)

et al. 2020

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General insights into the causes and effects of social structure can be gained from comparative analyses across socially and ecologically diverse taxa, such as bats, but long-term data are lacking for most species. In the neotropical fringe-lipped bat, Trachops cirrhosus , social transmission of foraging behaviour is clearly demonstrated in captivity, yet its social structure in the wild remains unclear. Here, we used microsatellite-based estimates of relatedness and records of 157 individually marked adults from 106 roost captures over 6 years, to infer whether male and female T. cirrhosus have preferred co-roosting associations and whether such associations were influenced by relatedness. Using a null model that controlled for year and roosting location, we found that both male and female T. cirrhosus have preferred roosting partners, but that only females demonstrate kin-biased association. Most roosting groups (67%) contained multiple females with one or two reproductive males. Relatedness patterns and recapture records corroborate genetic evidence for female philopatry and male dispersal. Our study adds to growing evidence that many bats demonstrate preferred roosting associations, which has the potential to influence social information transfer.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Social structure and relatedness in the fringe-lipped bat (Trachops cirrhosus)

et al. 2020

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“…In general, this species prefers higher tree roosts 10,11,25,54 . On the other hand, it should avoid roosts infested by parasites 18,26 ; therefore, excrements were used as a proxy of the load of parasites associated with guano 28 . The quality of a roost (QR), thus the attractiveness of a tree cavity for roosting, was expressed by the equation:…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Model agents implemented a non-centralized group decision process in which the group searched for a new roost based on their quality and attracted other roost-mates to form a suitable group. Bats often leave roosts when directly attacked by predators 26 , thus at the same time, groups worked to eliminate predation risks that was expected higher if roost switching is over a short distance 10,27 .…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Therefore, frequent shuffling of adult females and their offspring among groups maintains long-term social relationships within their colony 3,22 . Tree roost characteristics are in relationship with ambient conditions 23 , thus roost switching ensures also microclimate that is most conducive to successful reproduction [24][25][26] . This behaviour also reduces parasites in the cavities, minimizes commutes and competition with other cavity dwellers and protects against predators that can deplete bat colonies if shelters are occupied for a longer time 18,[26][27][28] .…”

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confidence: 99%

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An agent-based algorithm resembles behaviour of tree-dwelling bats under fission–fusion dynamics

Zelenka

Kasanický

Budinská

et al. 2020

Sci Rep

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Utilization of computational approach in the study of social behaviour of animals is increasing and we attempted such an approach in our study of tree-dwelling bats. These bats live in highly dynamic fission–fusion societies that share multiple roosts in a common home range. The key behavioural component associated with complex and non-centralized decision-making processes in roost switching is swarming around potential locations in order to recruit members to the new roost. To understand roost switching dynamics of bat groups in their natural environment, we employed a computational model, the SkyBat, which is based on swarm algorithm, to model this process. In a simulated environment of this agent-based model, we replicated natural fission–fusion dynamics of the Leisler’s bat, Nyctalus leisleri, groups according to predefined species and habitat parameters. Spatiotemporal patterns of swarming activity of agents were similar to bats. The number of simulated groups formed prior to sunrise, the mean number of individuals in groups and the roost height did not differ significantly from data on a local population of bats collected in the field. Thus, the swarm algorithm gave a basic framework of roost-switching, suggesting possible applications in the study of bat behaviour in rapidly changing environments as well as in the field of computer science.

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“…Myotis bechsteinii counteracts this problem with the oldest females organising the colonies around a few lineages or familiar groups that have maintained social links for more than 5 years [45]. In every example, fission-fusion behaviour involves the presence of a close network of primary roosts surrounded by "satellite" roosts, with the gradual and regular establishment of new roosts, especially when the oldest ones begin to degrade [46].…”

Section: Fission-fusion Behaviourmentioning

confidence: 99%

Bat Conservation Management in Exploited European Temperate Forests

Tillon¹,

Langridge²,

Aulagnier³

2018

Bats

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Forests offer important refuge to bats by providing attractive roosting and foraging habitats. Their conservation is a major responsibility of forest managers. The use of tree cavities by bats in forests depends on the specific demands of each species, with a large range of different types of microhabitats utilised, from degraded cavities such as peeling bark to healthy hollows in live trees ensuring the temporal stability of the habitat. The conservation of tree-dwelling bats should not be dissociated from their fission-fusion behaviour which involves the use of many different roosts. Conservation measures must therefore take into account forest habitats suitable for feeding and in particular, forest parameters such as structure, composition, vegetation and foliage, among other elements such as deadwood, all upon which the forest manager can intervene. Acting in favour of bats requires close consideration of their complex individual responses concerning roost selection and foraging habitat selection, which is largely dictated by the reproductive status of individuals. Thereafter it is possible to evaluate the impact of wood harvesting on bats and to infer silvicultural conservation measures. The implementation of recommendations must then subsequently be based on a strong involvement on the part of the forest manager.

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Should I Stay or Should I Go? Fission–Fusion Dynamics in Bats

Cited by 15 publications

References 179 publications

Social structure and relatedness in the fringe-lipped bat (Trachops cirrhosus)

Social structure and relatedness in the fringe-lipped bat (Trachops cirrhosus)

An agent-based algorithm resembles behaviour of tree-dwelling bats under fission–fusion dynamics

Bat Conservation Management in Exploited European Temperate Forests

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