Markus Dietz

Thermoregulation and Foraging Strategies of the Trawling Bat Myotis Daubentonii Markus Dietz

Influence of reproduction on thermoregulation, food intake and foraging strategies of free-ranging female and male Daubenton's bat, Myotis daubentonii. Balancing the energy demand of reproduction in bats requires specific physiological and behavioural adaptations. Part of this thesis thus focussed on the use of daily torpor in M. daubentonii during colder ambient temperatures and reduced food availability, an aspect that strongly influences foetal development and probably also spermatogenesis but that has been little studied to date for free-ranging bats. This also applies for a detailed knowledge about food intake and foraging behaviour of female and male bats during different reproductive periods. Insectivorous Daubenton?s bat is selected as study species because it is rather common and its characteristic flight low over water surfaces facilitates identification and observations of its feeding behaviour in the field. Myotis daubentonii is widely distributed in the Palaearctic region throughout Europe and Asia.