Mammalia, Chiroptera, Vespertilionidae: filling hibernacula distribution gaps for cave roosting bats from Iowa (U.S.A.)

Abstract

Adequate roost sites for hibernacula are an important factor in the distribution and abundance of temperate bat species and knowledge of specific hibernacula is necessary to make sound management decisions. Caves are recognized as one of the most important roosting sites for bats, yet surveys in caves are uncommon in North America. This paper presents data on the distribution and abundance of bats hibernating in Iowa (U.S.A.) caves and includes new hibernacula records. These are the first published records of bats in Iowa caves in almost 25 years.