Hoary Bat Habitat Preferences in NYS: Determining a Model for Management Purposes

The hoary bat (Lasiurus cinereus) inhabits New York State, the northern part of its range, from early summer until the early fall. These migratory bats spend the winter in the southern part of their range in the southern United States and Central America. In New York, this tree bat has been documented in several habitat types, from eastern hemlock (Tsuga canadensis) stands to bridge beams; however, its solitary nature, use of high canopy levels for day-roosting, and fast flight make individuals difficult to locate for detailed habitat studies. I am using sonar detection and GIS technology to identify hoary bats in the field and determine habitat characteristics of the areas used by the species. With one field season complete and one more to follow, preliminary statistical analyses have been conducted to determine if there are any trends thus far. Ultimately, these data can then be used to quantify habitat preferences of the hoary bat in New York and develop a habitat model useful for managing this poorly known species