SILVER-HAIRED BAT

Introduction

The silver-haired bat (Laisonycteris noctivigans) is an uncommon migratory bat. In summer it roosts in hollow trees, loose bark or in bark furrows. It feeds primarily in fairly open habitats. Listed as a Species of Greatest Conservation Need in one or more of the states in BCR 14.

Habitat Needs

This bat feeds in open coniferous or mixed-wood forest types, over hardwood clearcuts and over open water (ponds and larger streams). It roosts primarily in ash, maple or willow forest types.

Silvicultural Practices

The general recommendations for spruce-fir, red maple and northern hardwoods apply.

LOW ELEVATION SPRUCE-FIR

  • Use uneven-age management. Group selection with groups ranging from 1/10 to 2 acres.
  • Use a 90-year rotation age with entries every 15 years.
  • Let 10 percent of the area of this type age to 120 years before rotating.
  • Avoid entry during nesting season—April to June.
  • Whole-tree harvest or cut-to-length is preferred.

 RED MAPLE

  • Use even-aged management. Openings can range from 5 to 30 acres.
  • Use a 100-year rotation age with entries every 10 to 15 years.
  • Let 10 percent of the area in this type age to 150 years before rotating.
  • In larger cut blocks (greater than 10 acres), leave patches of uncut trees, about 1/3 acre for every 10 acres clear cut.
  • Avoid entry during nesting season—April to June.
  • Whole-tree harvest is preferred.

 NORTHERN HARDWOOD

  • Use even-aged management. Openings can range from 5 to 50 acres.
  • Use 120-year rotation age with entries every 15 to 20 years.
  • Let 10 percent of the area in this type age to 175 years before rotating.
  • Favor yellow birch to grow where possible.
  • In larger cut blocks (greater than 10 acres), leave patches of uncut trees, about 1/3 acre for every 10 acres clear cut.
  • Avoid entry during nesting season—April to June.
  • Whole-tree harvest or cut-to-length is preferred.

Additional Information

Categories
Forest Types