Use of artificial bat roosts installed inside an abandoned tunnel

Abstract

Artificial bat roosts (tubular type, roof type, wall type) were installed inside an abandoned tunnel in Yubari Shuparo dam, Hokkaido, Japan from 2009 to 2010 and their use was examined. Bat feces were identified on all of the roosts, and in September 2009 an individual was found to be resting in the tubular type roost. Three roost types are useful for bats, but the roof type and wall type were more likely used as night roosts. Additional consideration of artificial roost structure in terms of the bats’ thermal and cover needs is necessary, as is information on how bats use roosts in the field.