Vital Sign Monitoring: Insectivorous Bats

Hawaiian hoary bat (Lasiurus cinereus semotus) on a coconut tree at PUHO.

Description & Rational
Insectivorous bats are known to be of economic importance, particularly as predators of pest insects. However, they also contribute largely to mammalian biodiversity, especially on geographically isolated islands. The endemic Hawaiian hoary bat (Lasiurus cinereus semotus) is the only indigenous terrestrial mammal found in Hawaii and is the only extant bat established in the islands. The Hawaiian hoary bat was listed as an endangered species in 1970 and is presently protected by both federal and state laws. Current information regarding natural history and population status of this bat is scarce, resulting in incomplete and sometimes conflicting reports. Population estimates have ranged from hundreds to thousands of individuals, but these numbers are based on anecdotal and incomplete data. Due to limited knowledge concerning status, distribution, and habitat needs, long-term monitoring is critical for future management and conservation of this subspecies.

Brief Monitoring Questions & Objectives
Question: In what areas of selected PACN national parks are Hawaiian hoary bats distributed?
Question: What are the long-term changes in occurrence or distribution of these bats in selected PACN national parks?
Objective: The Hawaiian Hoary Bat Monitoring Protocol will assess trends in bat use/occupancy or distribution, which will allow parks to incorporate results into their respective adaptive management plans as they see fit. In particular, the Hawaiian Hoary Bat Monitoring Protocol will: (a) determine status and trends of Hawaiian hoary bat occupancy/use or distribution in selected areas of HAVO, PUHO, KAHO and KALA, and (b) determine distribution and use of selected areas in PUHE and HALE.

Vital Sign Monitoring Status & Trends
The Hawaiian Hoary Bat Monitoring Protocol is in development and is scheduled to enter into peer review in July 2009.

AnaBat II acoustic detectors are used for long-term monitoring of Hawaiian hoary bats in selected PACN parks. This system is ideal for passive monitoring of bats, as it can operate for long periods of time in the absence of an observer. Bat call data is logged onto a compact flash storage card for later download and analysis.

• Protocol Documents (in development)
• Hawaiian Hoary Bat Research Cooperative
• Bat Conservation International

• Hawaiian Hoary Bat Monitoring Resource Brief
• Hawaiian Hoary Bat Monitoring Movie – Coming Soon!
• Hawaiian Hoary Bat Monitoring Photo Gallery Coming Soon!