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Bat fatalities at two wind farms in Tasmania, Australia: Bat characteristics, and spatial and temporal patterns
journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-17, 15:00 authored by Hull, CL, Cawthen, LBat carcasses from two wind farms in Tasmania (2002-2010) were assessed to determine the species, sex, age, reproductive state, morphometrics, presence of food in the gastrointestinal tract, and evidence of spatial and seasonal patterns. Thirty-eight of the 54 carcasses were Gould's wattled bats, with another 14 likely to be, and two Vespadelus sp. All but two were adults, with an equal ratio of females and males. None were actively breedingwhen found, and five of the six bats tested, had not been recently feeding. Mortalities predominantly occurred in autumn, with a small difference between sites. There was no pattern in the location of carcasses. There appear to be particular ecological, morphological and behavioural characteristics associated with bat collision risk - tree roosting bats with high wing aspect ratios that forage in the open air at high altitude appear to be susceptible. Seasonal patterns may be associated with specific behaviours.
History
Publication title
New Zealand Journal of ZoologyVolume
40Pagination
5-15ISSN
0301-4223Department/School
School of Natural SciencesPublisher
Taylor & Francis Asia Pacific (Singapore)Place of publication
SingaporeRights statement
Copyright 2013 The Royal Society of New ZealandRepository Status
- Restricted