Atch_1_Tricolored_Bat_Telemetry_Project_SOW.pdf

Scope of Work

Arnold Air Force Base

Spring Migration and Roosting Ecology of Tricolored Bats (Perimyotis subflavus)

I. Purpose

The tricolored bat was once common across the eastern U.S. However, populations have experienced severe declines as a result of white-nose syndrome (WNS). The tricolored bat is currently not federally listed, but the USFWS is in the process of evaluating the species status to determine if listing is warranted and predicts that it will be. Understanding the spring migration and roosting ecology of tricolored bats is critical given the unprecedented conservation crisis and population declines the species is facing from WNS. Unfortunately, basic information about migration corridors and roosting ecology is lacking for tricolored bats.

Previously, tricolored bats were captured and banded at AAFB and surrounding caves. It was hoped that the interconnectivity of colonies and tricolored bat roosts on base could be elucidated over time. This effort was initiated in cooperation with other state and federal agencies in response to White-nose Syndrome in 2008. While banding and subsequent recaptures on AAFB and caves permitted data to be gathered about tricolored bat survival and population numbers, there has been no success determining migration.. AAFB conducted a telemetry study to examine roosting ecology and foraging habits with only limited success because only five bats were captured in mist nets. Historically, bat migration pathways have been obtained through straight line connections between summer banding sites and winter hibernacula counts. Although important, this method lacks the ability to gain essential physiological and ecological data that may have a role in an individual bat’s migration strategy. A more complete understanding of the migration corridors and roosting ecology on AAFB would assist in better defining foraging habitat for future revisions of AAFB’s programmatic agreement. Further knowledge of the roosts used by tricolored bats foraging on AAFB would assist in developing partnerships for the conservation of the species.

II. Work elements

The contractor shall perform the following work elements for the project:

A. Study Plan Preparation: Prepare a draft study plan that presents the detailed study approach, GIS mapping procedures, sampling methods, and proposed data analysis techniques. After approval of draft by AAFB, produce a final study plan.

B. Field Surveys and Data Analysis: Capture tricolor bats between 1 April and 15 May in caves with known tricolored bat hibernacula. A Section 10 Permit is required. Biological and morphometric data will be recorded for each individual captured (e.g., time of capture, capture net, species, sex, age class, reproductive condition, mass, and forearm length). Tricolored bats will be banded with TWRA 2.4 mm uniquely numbered aluminum lipped bands.

Attach individually identifiable transmitters to male and female tricolored bats and release outside of cave. At least 15 tricolored bats will be tracked by aerial telemetry via manned aircraft with demonstratable experience in addition to ground truthing via triangulation if deemed necessary. An aerial crew can collect migration data faster and with more precision than multiple ground crews and can both survey several potential roosting areas as well as track multiple bats in one night. For this reason, the unknown distances that tricolored bats can migrate in a single night, and as a Best Practice of the Regulatory Agency, tracking in this study must be done using manned airplane (s). Data on the flight routes, speed, bat body temperature, ambient air temperature, and roosts will be collected. Track individuals via radio telemetry to roost caves/structures/trees for the life of the transmitter (~14 days). Perform at least one emergence count of all identified caves/structures/trees, if not hindered landowner restrictions, to confirm location of transmittered bat and estimate number of individuals in roost. If located in a tree, collect DBH, height, roost height, condition, and species.

Data analysis will evaluate the landscape characteristics of the roosting habitat based on the underlying GIS vegetation and landscape geomorphology layers provided by AAFB.

C. Report Preparation: Prepare a scientifically formatted report presenting the findings of the project.

III. Reporting

A. The contractor will provide daily phone updates during the tracking period as to the progress of the project.

B. The contractor shall provide a draft report (electronic copy) including all data collected, maps of survey sites with overlain results of tracked bat migration routes, roost sites, and any other collected data, copies of data sheets. A summary and interpretation of data also will be provided

C. Upon review (and subsequent return) of the draft report, comments will be addressed and the final report will be submitted to AAFB.

D. All geographic data will be provided for entry into the AAFB GIS database.

Format will be in SDSFIE 3.1 or determined in consultation with AAFB GIS specialist.

IV. Schedule

The project shall be implemented according to the following schedule:

Task Date Study Plan Preparation & Submittal April 1 – April 15

Field Surveys April 15 – May 15

Data Analysis and Report Preparation & Submittal June – September 30

V. Deliverables

A. Study Plan (Draft and Final): The draft and final study plan shall include the following sections: Introduction; Method, including survey protocols, GIS mapping procedures, and data collection; and schedule for project implementation. Two weeks after Receipt of Order, submit study plan.

B. Progress Reports: The contractor will summarize daily phone updates by one month post tracking

C. Final Report (Draft and Final): The final report shall be prepared in electronic and two hard copies, including but not limited to the following:

• Introduction describing the basis for the project and overall study approach;

• Methods section including data collection procedures, maps and descriptions of the study areas, survey methods, and data analysis techniques;

• Results section providing details of the study including data analysis;

• Discussion section interpreting the study findings;

• Management Recommendations section

• Recommendations for Future Study section detailing potential projects;

• Electronic data delivered in a format coordinated early in the project with AAFB GIS staff to ensure integration into AAFB’s GIS.

D. At 5.5 months after Receipt of Order, submit draft final report for two week inspection and feedback period by government. Final report due at 6 months after Receipt of Order.

Duration of project is expected to be twelve months.