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Improving urban flyways for bats: the importance of the tree canopy structure
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2023-12-18
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Abstract
Movement corridors represent an important resource, allowing wildlife to access
resources (Jones et al. 2018, Scharf et al. 2018, Gregory et al. 2021). In this study, we examined
five tree metrics that could influence connectivity: percent canopy cover, rugosity (straightness
of the canopy edge), maximum gap distance, total gap distance, and maximum tree height. The
results show that all five independent variables influenced bat commuting activity. We found that
the presence of trees is essential for bat commuting activity. This study demonstrated that there
are specific characteristics of trees that influence the ability of bats to commute through the
urban forest and use the resources available. From our results, we suggest that professionals,
where feasible, prune tree lines straight and remove clutter to allow bats to move easily along
tree lines. Trees should also be planted wherever gaps are present in the canopy and the tallest
trees should be conserved.
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Environmental and Sustainability Sciences