Presentation Abstract

Faculty's Name: Jacques Veilleux

Co-registrant Names:

Type of Presentation: Research Paper Presentation: One or more registrants presenting a research paper

Presentation Title: "Fall Activity Patterns and Potential for Non-Cavernicolous Hibernation by Bats in New Hampshire"

Abstract:

White-nose Syndrome (WNS) is a wildlife disease which has caused dramatic declines in many North American bat species. The goal of this research was to determine fall bat activity during the pre-hibernation season, as well as the potential for crevices associated with rock outcrops to serve as hibernation sites for bats (focusing on big brown, tri-colored, eastern small-footed, little brown, and northern long-eared bats). Surveys took place at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Surry Mountain Lake (SML) facility located in southwest NH. Eight acoustic detectors were deployed from 15 September through 30 November 2025. Five temperature data loggers (Elitech RC-51H) were set at the SML; one was used to monitor ambient temperature and four were placed within rock crevices. Temperature readings occurred once per hour from 01 November 2025 through 28 February 2026. Acoustic data are currently being analyzed (Kaleidoscope Pro, Wildlife Acoustics) to verify species composition and phenology patterns. Pre-analysis of acoustic survey data yielded 15,384 recordings, with bats active through 28 November. We will present details of species composition and patterns of bat activity across the survey period. Temperature data will be analyzed to determine the potential for rock crevices to serve as non-traditional hibernation sites.

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