Predictors Of Bat Species Occupancy On The Blue Ridge Parkway

This study examined bat species occupancy (?) along the North Carolina portion of the Blue Ridge Parkway during the summer of 2021, where 7 of 14 species are susceptible to white-nose syndrome. Through the use of passive acoustic surveys and call identification technology, 12 bat species were detected. I identified biotic and abiotic factors that influence occupancy and detectability (elevation, distance to water, forested land cover and weather parameters). Species occupancy coincided with regional population trends; rare species generally exhibited lower occupancy estimates compared to more wide-spread species. Federally endangered species Corynorhinus townsendii virginianus, Myotis grisescens, Myotis septentrionalis, and Myotis sodalis, had relatively low estimates of occupancy (? range: 0.23 - 0.44) and occurred more often in higher elevations. At-risk species (Myotis lucifugus and Perimyotis subflavus) had modest occupancy estimates (? = 0.46) and were found in more forested areas, at higher elevations. Myotis leibii, a North Carolina species of concern, had a higher occupancy estimate (? = 0.61) and occurred more commonly at higher elevations. Historically abundant species had relatively high occupancy estimates. As bats influence ecosystem health and insect abundance, supporting these species is essential, not only for bat conservation, but for the preservation of ecosystem balance.