Semester of Graduation
Summer 2025
Degree Type
Dissertation/Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science in Integrative Biology
Department
EEOB
Committee Chair/First Advisor
Thomas McElroy
Abstract
This study investigates how environmental and landscape characteristics influence bat activity across varying levels of development in South Carolina. Acoustic monitoring was used to passively survey at five sites: Brays Island, Nemours Plantation, Palmetto Bluff, Spring Island, and Sun City. For six months, twenty-four Wildlife Acoustics Song Meter Mini monitors recorded bat calls, which were then analyzed using Kaleidoscope Pro 5.6.8 and SPSS Statistics 29. There were four hypotheses that were tested regarding the relationship between bat activity and environmental factors: temperature, canopy cover, midstory, and artificial light at night (ALAN) to determine if they were correlated. It was found that bat activity is positively influenced by temperature, which is consistent with previous research. Differences in bat acoustic assemblage activity among locations was documented. Canopy cover and midstory were significant predictors of activity, but trends were not consistent between frequency groups. Higher levels of ALAN did not have a negative effect on groups and even increased activities for some acoustic groups in some locations. These data suggest that while some environmental factors influence bat activity, this can significantly vary from site to site. This has implications for conservation and development planning, emphasizing the necessity for strategies specific to that region or location.