The Objective of this study was to identify if bats, including NLEB, are using NDOR bridge and culvert structures, and if they are, what types of structures are being utilized for roosting, in relation to their geographical location and location on the landscape. Nebraska bat species typically prefer a humid environment with consistent temperatures. Bridges and culvert structures in Nebraska are thought to be inconsistent in thermoregulation due to low and varying temperatures (Keeley & Tuttle 1999). Data collected by researchers from Southern Illinois University revealed 15 of 232 surveyed bridge structures to support roosting bats, and flat slab bridges in particular had zero bat inhabitants (Feldhamer et. al. 2003). Illinois and Nebraska maintained similar average high and low monthly temperatures and comparable bat habitat opportunities. These comparable climatic attributes, coupled with previous data in Illinois, leads to the assumption that Nebraska bridge use by NLEB would be minimal. Further studies need to be done to support this hypothesis.
Bats are found on every continent except Antarctica and play a crucial role in our ecosystems from pollination to pest control to seed dispersal. Alth...
The swift fox (Vulpes velox) is a small canid classified as endangered within thestate of Nebraska. Future construction of the Heartland Expressway Co...
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