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Effectiveness of acoustic lures for increasing tropical forest understory bat captures
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Abstract:
Bats are the most diverse mammalian order second to rodents, with 1400+ species
globally. In the tropics, it is possible to find more than 60 bat species at a single site.
However, monitoring bats is challenging due to their small size, ability to fly, cryptic
nature, and nocturnal activity. Recently, bioacoustic techniques have been incorporated
into survey methods, either through passive acoustic monitoring or acoustic bat
lures. Lures have been developed on the premise that broadcasting acoustic stimuli
increases the number of captures in harp traps or mist nets. However, this is a
relatively new, niche method. This study tested the efficacy of two commonly used
acoustic bat lure devices, broadcasting two different acoustic stimuli, to increase forest
understory bat captures in the tropics. This is the first time an acoustic bat lure
has been systematically tested in a tropical rainforest, and the first study to compare
two lure devices (Sussex AutoBat and Apodemus BatLure). Using a paired experimental
design, two synthesized acoustic stimuli were broadcasted, a feeding call and a
social call, to understand the importance of the call type used on capture rates and
genus-specific
responses. Using an acoustic lure significantly increased capture rates,
while the type of device did not impact capture rates. The two acoustic stimuli had
an almost even distribution of captures, suggesting that the type of call may be less
important than previously thought. Results indicate a possible deterrent effect on
Rhinolophous sp., while being particularly effective for attracting bats in the genera
Murina and Kerivoula. This study highlights the effectiveness of lures, however, also
indicates that lure effects can vary across genera. Therefore, lures may bias survey
results by altering the species composition of bats caught. Future research should
focus on a single species or genus, using synthesized calls of conspecifics, to fully
understand the effect of lures.
Description:
Date:
2022
Authors:
Aylen, Oliver
Bishop, Philip J.
Rodzay bin Haji Abd Wahab
Grafe, T. Ulmar
Publisher:
John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
