Capture and care of northern long-eared bats ('Nyctophilus bifax') and seasonal changes in insect abundance

Abstract

Seasonal capture rates of insectivorous subtropical and tropical Australian northern long-eared bats ('Nyctophilus bifax') (Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae) in relation to ambient temperature and insect abundance were examined. Insect abundance varied seasonally in a subtropical region and also between subtropical and tropical habitats during winter, and decreased as nightly ambient temperature decreased. While capture rates of 'N. bifax' were not affected by ambient temperatures and insect abundance, most captures occurred within one hour after sunset, which is generally the time of highest activity levels in microbats. Methods of care of 'N. bifax' in captivity are also reported. 'N. bifax' adapted well to short-term captivity (up to 14 days) and readily accepted mealworms as a food source.