A recent study by Environment and Climate Change Canada highlights that local myotis bats have a strong preference for feeding in wetland areas. This research focuses on bat species that are at risk, particularly on the east coast of Vancouver Island.
Scott Wilson, a wildlife biologist from Environment and Climate Change Canada, shared insights from his research during a presentation at the Beban Park Social Centre on February 20. He noted that our understanding of bats is still quite limited compared to what we know about migratory birds.
From 2022 to 2024, Wilson’s team used 132 acoustic recording devices to monitor bat calls from May to July. The goal was to assess bat abundance and the habitats they prefer for feeding. Wilson explained, “The results showed a promising number of at-risk species like the little brown myotis and silver-haired bats thriving in this area.” Nanaimo appears to offer a supportive environment for these species.
Interesting findings emerged from the study regarding bat calls. Some species produce calls at similar frequencies, making it tough to identify them individually. For example, both the California myotis and the Yuma myotis call around 45-50 kHz, while little brown myotis are in the 40 kHz range. This means the number of calls recorded doesn’t directly reflect the number of bats but gives a good indication of species abundance and their habitat preferences.
Wetlands stood out in the data, showing a preference by myotis species for these areas. Their occurrence was found to be 6-10 times higher in wetlands compared to other environments. While silver-haired, hoary, and big brown bats also favor wetlands, they still utilize meadow bluffs as well. Wilson noted that “Wetlands are great feeding grounds with plenty of insects, especially for bats that hunt in open areas.”
The research also looked at how forest cover around the bat recording sites affected bat activity. Bats seemed to prefer intermediate levels of forest cover. When the forest cover was low (20-40%), bat activity dropped. Activity increased to around 65% forest cover, especially for the little brown and long-legged myotis species. Intriguingly, long-eared myotis seemed to prefer areas with more extensive forest cover.
At Morrell Nature Sanctuary, the team recorded an impressive 1,302 bat calls in one night. This site supports a mix of species including the big brown, hoary, and little brown myotis. In contrast, Buttertubs Marsh logged only 209 calls per night, possibly due to its urban surroundings. Other noteworthy sites included Yellow Point Bog with 1,108 calls and Linley Valley with 515 calls.
Wilson emphasized the crucial role that wetlands play for myotis bats. “They are highly important feeding grounds,” he said. A full report detailing this research is set to be finished next month and will be published later this year in scientific journals.
Community involvement is vital for bat conservation. People can help by participating in monitoring programs, protecting wetlands, keeping cats indoors, and creating bat-friendly gardens free from pesticides. For more information on how to get involved, visit the B.C. Community Bat program website at http://bcbats.ca/get-involved.
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Animals|bats|Nanaimo
