DANIEL, S.*; KORINE, C.; PINSHOW, B.; Ben-Gurion University of the Negev; Ben-Gurion University of the Negev; Ben-Gurion University of the Negev: Reproductive physiology and foraging activity in a Desert dwelling bats

Females of small, desert dwelling insectivorous bats may be exposed to conditions requiring high energy expenditure during reproduction, especially during lactation. Our objective was to define the relative magnitudes of the behavioral and physiological mechanisms used by females of the Hemprich’s long-eared bats (Otonycteris hemprichii) to manage their energy balance during reproduction in the Negev Desert of Israel, and how these are used during pregnancy, lactation and post-lactation. We used radio telemetry to track activity of females, and to measure their body temperature. To measure roost temperature, we used micro data-loggers. Bats were active from mid-March to the beginning of October. We found two concentrations of roosts, one 2 and one 8 km from the bats� main foraging and drinking site. Our data suggest that this species is a central place forager, namely towards the end of pregnancy and during lactation bats using the distant roost had a single, prolonged bout of foraging each night, while the 2 km group foraged for several short bouts. Exit times and foraging bouts changed daily and among individuals. Roost sites used from late pregnancy to the end of lactation were changed frequently and were unisexual with 3-5 females. The roosts differed in temperature regime, and temperatures ranged between 20-40 �C from May to September. The roost with the highest daily mean temperature and the largest daily temperature amplitude was occupied for the longest time. Preliminary results show that bats did not become torpid during lactation.