Roost selection by western long-eared myotis (Myotis evotis) in burned and unburned piñon–juniper woodlands of southwestern Colorado

Reproductive female western long-eared myotis (Myotis evotis) in Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado, predominantly select roosts in unburned piñon-juniper woodlands, favoring higher and deeper rock crevices closer to water sources while avoiding proximity to burned areas. This preference suggests that these bats prioritize access to drinking water and foraging opportunities over tree roosts, which are less critical due to the abundance of suitable rock crevices. The study employed an information theoretic approach to compare occupied roosts with unoccupied ones at both microhabitat and landscape scales, revealing key factors influencing roost selection. These findings underscore the importance of site-specific management for bat populations, as roosting behaviors can vary significantly even within similar ecosystems.

Snider, E. A., Cryan, P. M., & Wilson, K. R. (2013). Roost selection by western long-eared myotis (Myotis evotis) in burned and unburned piñon–juniper woodlands of southwestern Colorado. Journal of Mammalogy, 94(3), 640–649. https://doi.org/10.1644/11-mamm-a-153.1