Development of a bat conservation plan for Montana and focused research on more sensitive bat species.

Nate Schwab, M.S. Thesis completed May 2006, Wildlife Biology.

Nate has written a conservation plan for the bat species occurring in Montana. In doing this, he pulled together all existing information on the 15 species found in the state and produced an up-dated database of this information along with current distribution maps. With this information it will be possible to identify the most crucial areas where research is needed. Nate worked jointly with MTFWP and the Montana Natural Heritage Program on this project. His Master's research involved a study of the effects of forest fires and salvage logging on tree roosting bat species, research funded by the Forest Service and the SWG Program through MTFWP.

Nate captured 121 bats of 8 species and attached radiotransmitters to 40 from which roosting information was obtained on 29. For a complete description of his research refer to his thesis which can be found in the Mansfield Library of The University of Montana.

Contact Nate Schwab: nathanschwab@hotmail.com