18 Thomas M. Padgett and Robert K. Rose 



yellow bat, Lasiurus intermedins Allen, found in Norfolk in 1954 (de 

 Rageot 1955). 



Our objective was to determine the species of bats that currently 

 inhabit the Dismal Swamp compared with the ones there 90 years ago. 

 Because much of the Dismal Swamp is now incorporated into a federal 

 wildlife refuge, present-day information regarding the presence and 

 abundance of species of bats is important in the long-term management 

 of the Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge (GDSNWR). 



METHODS 



In the Dismal Swamp, previous attempts at mist-netting bats 

 proved unsuccessful (C. O. Handley, Jr., and D. Lahti, personal 

 communications), primarily as a result of dispersal of flying bats over 

 vast areas of flooded forests and the tendency of some bats to forage at 

 or above the forest canopy. Because our objective was to compile a 

 record of the bats of the Dismal Swamp, we elected to collect voucher 

 specimens by shooting. In that way, a permanent record of the bats of 

 the Dismal Swamp at the present time is established, and the value of 

 the voucher specimens will increase with time. 



We collected bats using 12- and 20-gauge shotguns bored to 

 improved cylinder (O'Conner 1965) and loaded with standard 8- and 

 9-shot loads. In good light conditions, we quickly learned to identify red 

 bats, Lasiurus borealis M tiller, in flight, and therefore were often able to 

 record their distribution and emergence times without having to collect 

 additional specimens. 



Sampling sites were restricted to open areas within the Dismal 

 Swamp, usually within the GDSNWR, such as roadways and road 

 intersections, which offered clear avenues for collecting. Lake 

 Drummond, a 1,000-ha natural lake located in the approximate center 

 of the Dismal Swamp, was sampled from shore and from a boat. Two 

 old abandoned buildings along the shore of Lake Drummond were 

 searched unsuccessfully for bats. 



Collection times were limited approximately to sunset ±0.5 hour. 

 For each species, we recorded ambient temperature, local weather 

 conditions, and the time of emergence, defined as the time in minutes 

 before and after sunset that a species of bat was first observed or 

 collected. We collected only during the months of September through 

 early June; from late June through August, bats produce young and 

 rear them to flying age. 



The specimens collected during the survey were preserved either as 

 study skins and skulls or in 70% ethanol. They have been deposited at 

 the U.S. National Museum of Natural History (USNM 448240-312; 

 448314-317; 448319-331). 



