Habitat selection by the rare golden-tipped bat Kerivoula papuensis.

Abstract

Habitat selection by the golden-tipped bat Kerivoula papuensis was described using presence/absence data from 144 harp trapping sites between Cooktown in north-eastern Queensland and Bulahdelah in central-eastern New South Wales. Logistic regression was used to identify structural, topographic and other attributes of sites associated with the presence of K. papuensis. Occupied habitat was characterised by an abundance of vine drapes, the presence of the yellow-throated scrubwren Sericornis citreogularis, close spacing between stream channels, multiple tree layers, high relief and slope characteristics, westerly aspect, higher elevations, low abundance of large tree epiphytes and proximity to the nearest forest ecotone. However, aspects of habitat selection are poorly known, such as maternity roost selection and foraging habitat by the species. Further study is required to fully understand the habitat requirements of this species.