INVENTORY OF BAT SPECIES AND EVALUATION OF NICHE PARTITIONING AT THE SAM D. HAMILTON NOXUBEE NATIONAL WILDIFE REFUGE

THIS IS A NOTICE OF INTENT TO AWARD TO A SINGLE SOURCE,AND THERE IS NO FULL ANNOUNCEMENT ASSOCIATED WITH THIS NOTICE. This research will address habitat use and niche partitioning of bat species occupying forest habitats within the Sam D. Hamilton Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge. Focusing on Chiroptera, the primary objective of this research will be to evaluate multi-scale habitat characteristics that influence species occupancy and community structure within various forest communities. A secondary objective will be to evaluate trophic niche partitioning of targeted bat species, relative to prey availability, across sample seasons and habitat types. Gained information will be synthesized into conservation management plans reflecting current and potential conditions, as influenced by changes in community composition, human land use patterns and climate change.