Biology ETDs

Publication Date

5-4-1964

Abstract

The purpose of this investigation is to record information concerning distribution, ecology, and natural history, and to determine, if possible, the factor or group of factors that may influence distribution and activity of bats in the Mogollon Mountains area of southwestern New Mexico and extreme northwestern Arizona. A total of 1595 specimens of bats were collected on 101 occasions from 44 localities within the study area. Most of the specimens assembled for study were collapsed by mist nets placed over water tanks, over ponds and streams, or over entrances to mines and caves. A few specimens were shot. For nearly all bats collected, museum study skins and skulls with alcoholic carcasses, as well as some specimens entire in fluid, are preserved in the Museum of Southwestern Biology at the University of New Mexico. Data on reproduction were recorded for nearly all bats. Data on time of capture and air temperature at the time of capture of each bat were recorded and later analyzed and compared by standard statistical methods. Ecological data were summarized for 19 species of bats. Other than temperature and time of capture, no single factor or group of factors seemed to influence greatly the activity of bats. Temperature data show three species of bats active within temperature ranges mostly above 20 C, and 16 species of bats active within temperature ranges mostly below 20 C. Data on time of capture indicate that three species are early flying forms, nine species have later periods of activity, and the seven remaining species have periods of activity intermediate to the two aforementioned groups. Data on habitat suggest that, within the study area, 13 species may be considered highland forms, six species may be regarded lowland forms, and one species is represented by equal numbers of individuals from highland and lowland areas. Data on reproduction for females indicate that rapid growth of embryos takes place from April to June, and parturition probably occurs from late May through June. Data on reproduction for males indicate that sperm is produced when testis size is greatest, usually in June and July, but occasionally in August and September. Bats were collected in the study area abundantly during June, as well as during September and October, probably because of high concentrations of bats in the vicinity of available water or because of movement and grouping of animals prior to migration or hibernation. Perhaps because of dispersal associated with increased availability of water from summer rains, fewer animals were collected in late July and August.

Language

English

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Biology

Level of Degree

Doctoral

Department Name

UNM Biology Department

First Committee Member (Chair)

James Smith Findley

Second Committee Member

Clarence Clayton Hoff

Third Committee Member

Marvin LeRoy Riedesel

Fourth Committee Member

Loren David Potter

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