Roosting Ecology of Northern Long-eared Bats in Coastal South Carolina
| Authors: | Susan Loeb, Dorothy Brown, Jennifer Kindel, Lydia H. Moore, Kyle E. Shute, Eric A. Winters |
| Year: | 2026 |
| Type: | Scientific Journal |
| Station: | Southern Research Station |
| Source: | Journal of North American Bat Research |
Abstract
Myotis septentrionalis (Northern Long-eared Bat) has experienced severe population declines due to the impacts of white-nose syndrome, although some populations along the Atlantic Coast appear to be persisting. Our objectives were to document the presence of Northern Long-eared Bats across the Coastal Plain of South Carolina and describe roost characteristics and other aspects of the bats’ ecology. We captured 45 Northern Long-eared Bats from April to August 2017–2024 across 4 sites. We radio-tagged 30 bats and tracked them to 99 day roosts. Almost all (92.9%) roosts were in pines, predominantly Pinus taeda (Loblolly Pine) and P. palustris (Longleaf Pine); 78.8% of roost trees were alive, although adult females were more likely than males to use snags. Fifty-four percent of roosts were in stands burned within the past 4 years. Our results suggest that pine forests are important for Northern Long-eared Bats in coastal South Carolina and that prescribed fire is compatible with Northern Long-eared Bat management.