Use of artificial structures as roosts by five bat species on Amami Oshima Island, Japan

Abstract

The use of artificial structures as day roosts by Myotis yanbarensis, Murina ryukyuana, Hypsugo pulveratus, Myotis macrodactylus, and Rhinolophus cornutus orii on Amami Oshima Island, Japan was investigated in August 2023 and 2024. The artificial structures used by these bats were all located adjacent to an evergreen broadleaf forest. The locations for day roosting differed for each species. M. yanbarensis used holes in both tunnel ceilings and building walls, M. ryukyuana and H. pulveratus used holes in tunnel ceilings, M. macrodactylus used tunnel ceiling recesses, and R. c. orii used the ceiling walls of both tunnels and box culverts. Notably, the tunnels surrounded by the evergreen broadleaf forest provided various roost environments. Artificial structures and their surrounding forests may contribute to the conservation of bats.