Differences in the foraging behaviour of male and female big brown bats (<i>Eptesicus fuscus</i>) during the reproductive period

Abstract

:During reproduction, energetic and nutritional demands escalate for female mammals, and can result in foraging behaviour that differs from that of males. Our investigation into intersexual feeding habits of big brown bats (Eptesicus fuscus) revealed different feeding strategies between males and females. Contrary to our predictions, there was no significant difference in time of emergence between males and females, and males and females foraged for equal lengths of time. Temperature influenced length of foraging bouts of both sexes. Female bats exhibited site fidelity within the river valley close to the colonies. Males foraged over larger areas than did females, and spent significantly more time away from the main feeding area than did females. We conclude that the areas in which males foraged were of lower quality or required longer commuting distances, thus requiring males to forage for as long as females.