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Published VersionCC BY-NC-ND V4.0, Open Access
Journal article
Weak evidence of a halo effect for bats at fenced conservation reserves during La Niña conditions
Global Ecology and Conservation, Vol.64, pp.1-15
2025
Abstract
Fenced conservation reserves are a key strategy for protecting biodiversity around the world. The benefits of fenced reserves are well-documented for non-volant terrestrial species, and halo effects have been observed, whereby increased abundance within reserves creates spill over into the surrounding landscape. Our study investigated whether fenced conservation reserves benefit bat species and create halo effects through reduced predation pressure, increased food resources or recruitment of roost trees. Using large-scale bioacoustic monitoring at various distances inside and outside two arid-zone fenced reserves in Australia, established for 27 years and 7 years respectively, we assessed spatial and temporal patterns of bat activity using genaralised linear mixed models and generalised additive models following a La Niña event. Our results revealed no difference in overall bat activity inside versus outside the reserves. However, all species showed spatiotemporal interactions, and in some instances appeared to largely roost inside the reserves. This behaviour may be driven by increased protection within the fenced reserves, or a legacy of pre-existing roost sites. As found in other habitats, site-specific habitat features, rather than the fence itself, predominantly drive bat activity which fluctuates temporally. While our study provides some weak evidence of a halo effect in some species, several factors may influence bat halo effects in the arid zone. Essential habitat components like roost trees may take decades to re-establish; halo effects might diminish during periods of abundant resources (La Niña events); and fenced reserves may not benefit bats if predation is minimal or if reintroduced mammals exploit increased resources.
Details
- Title
- Weak evidence of a halo effect for bats at fenced conservation reserves during La Niña conditions
- Authors
- Oliver Aylen (Corresponding Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Science, Technology and EngineeringRebecca West - UNSW SydneyTanya Leary - National Parks and Wildlife ServiceEve Slavich - UNSW SydneyDanika Hotham - Griffith UniversityKatherine Moseby - UNSW Sydney
- Publication details
- Global Ecology and Conservation, Vol.64, pp.1-15
- Publisher
- Elsevier BV
- Date published
- 2025
- DOI
- 10.1016/j.gecco.2025.e03932
- ISSN
- 2351-9894
- Copyright note
- © 2025 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/).
- Data Availability
- Data will be made available on request.
- Grant note
- This project received funding from the Australasian Bat Society Paddy Palin Grant, Von Willer Foundation Grant, and New South Wales Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW).
- Organisation Unit
- School of Science, Technology and Engineering
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 991192244002621
- Output Type
- Journal article
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- Domestic collaboration
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- Biodiversity Conservation
- Ecology
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