Forest ecology and distribution of bats in Alaska (Myotis lucifugus, Myotis californicus, Myotis volans, Myotis keenii, Lasionycteris noctivagans, Eptesicus fuscus)

This thesis documents distribution of bat species in Alaska and effects of clearcutting on bat activity in temperate rainforests of southeastern Alaska. Occurrence of Myotis lucifugus, M. californicus, M. volans, M. keenii, and Lasionycteris noctivagans is confirmed in southeastern Alaska. I describe new specimens of M. keenii from southeastern Alaska, the first in over 100 years. Myotis lucifugus and Eptesicus fuscus are documented north of 64{dollar}spcirc{dollar} N latitude. Environmental conditions and geography which influence distribution and latitudinal diversity gradients are discussed. Low bat activity in second-growth forests and clearcuts suggests that these areas provide little summer habitat. Higher activity levels in old-growth and riparian forests suggest these areas are important summer habitat. A change in activity between lactation and post-lactation periods is also noted. Unusual aspects of M. lucifugus ecology in southeastern Alaska are: consumption of spiders; presence of maternity colonies in a temperate rainforest; and intermittent use of hibernacula.