Roosts used by bats in late autumn and winter at northern latitudes in Norway

Abstract

In Norway, very few bats are found in caves and mines in winter, thus other habitats must be primary hibernation sites in this region. To explore roost site selection in late autumn and early winter at 62° N in western Norway, 18 bats of three genera of the Vespertilionidae family that are known to use underground hibernation sites were tagged with radio transmitters. The bats were tracked mostly during daytime between late September and up to early January. Mainly three habitats were used by bats in late autumn in this study; buildings, crevices in rock walls and rock scree. Roosts were distributed from sea level to the low alpine zone. Rock scree was confirmed as a hibernation site for bats.