Movement patterns of migratory tree-roosting bats during autumn migration in southern Saskatchewan

Three of Saskatchewans bat species roost in trees and migrate long distances annually: hoary bats, eastern red bats and silver-haired bats. Migratory bats are facing a variety of threats, such as habitat loss, climate change, pesticide use, and fatalities at wind energy facilities. Large numbers of bat fatalities have been recorded at wind energy facilities across North America. If current fatality rates continue, the population of hoary bats, the species most commonly killed by wind turbines, could decrease by up to 90% in the next 50 years. If we can identify areas or landscape features associated with bat migration, this information can be used by SaskPower and other stakeholders to inform wind power siting decisions for future wind energy projects.

Faculty Supervisor:

Erin Baerwald

Student:

Erin Swerdfeger

Partner:

SaskPower

Discipline:

Biology

Sector:

Environmental industry

University:

Program: