Roost Selection by Goulds Long-Eared Bat, Nyctophilus-Gouldi Tomes (Chiroptera, Vespertilionidae), in Logged Forest on the South Coast of New South-Wales

Abstract

Radiotelemetry was used to track 18 Nyctophilus gouldi to roosts in 38 trees within a logged forest. The species and sizes of trees selected by the bats were compared to trees measured in six randomly located plots in each of four major habitats. Only the unlogged gullies provided the species of trees required by the bats for roosting. Of these, the bats showed strongest preference for those trees with a diameter greater than 80 cm. As the first logging cycle removed many suitable roosts, we conclude that the second logging cycle, due before the turn of tbe century, will have a major deleterious impact on the local survival of N. gouldi unless gullies remain unlogged. This would require the redefinition of gullies in the forest management plan to include all drainage lines.