University Presentation Showcase: Undergraduate Division
New Bat Specimens Added to the Mammal Collection of Eastern Kentucky University
Presenter Hometown
Berea, KY
Major
Wildlife Management
Department
Biological Sciences
Degree
Undergraduate
Mentor
Luke Dodd
Mentor Department
Biological Sciences
Recommended Citation
Meeks, Jessica N., "New Bat Specimens Added to the Mammal Collection of Eastern Kentucky University" (2020). University Presentation Showcase Event. 37.
https://encompass.eku.edu/swps/2020/undergraduate/37
Abstract
New Bat Specimens Added to the Mammal Collection of Eastern Kentucky University
Abstract
Proper vouchering of specimens for museum collections is an overlooked skill related to the study and conservation of vulnerable bat species. Museum collections provide records of distribution, habitat preference, migration, and provides information regarding species’ demography and health. These data can be invaluable in monitoring populations by having a comparative historical reference, which can help direct conservation efforts. Museum collections also serve to provide voucher specimens, which are used to verify identification for newly collected data, reassess existing data, and provide tissue for emergent molecular analyses. These specimens, when prepared properly, are especially useful when taxon diversity is high and identification can be difficult, as is the case for many bat species. The purpose of this project was the preparation of five new bat specimens for the Eastern Kentucky University’s mammal collection. These specimens were permanently archived for study and education by students and faculty. Standard measurements (total length, tail length, hind foot length, ear length, tragus length, and forearm length) and locality information were recorded, providing a historical reference for bats in the eastern and central Kentucky area. Species prepared included eastern red bat (Lasiurus borealis), tricolored bat (Pipistrellus subflavus), and Rafinesque’s big-eared bat (Plecotus rafinesquii).
Presentation format
Poster
New Bat Specimens Added to the Mammal Collection of Eastern Kentucky University
New Bat Specimens Added to the Mammal Collection of Eastern Kentucky University
Abstract
Proper vouchering of specimens for museum collections is an overlooked skill related to the study and conservation of vulnerable bat species. Museum collections provide records of distribution, habitat preference, migration, and provides information regarding species’ demography and health. These data can be invaluable in monitoring populations by having a comparative historical reference, which can help direct conservation efforts. Museum collections also serve to provide voucher specimens, which are used to verify identification for newly collected data, reassess existing data, and provide tissue for emergent molecular analyses. These specimens, when prepared properly, are especially useful when taxon diversity is high and identification can be difficult, as is the case for many bat species. The purpose of this project was the preparation of five new bat specimens for the Eastern Kentucky University’s mammal collection. These specimens were permanently archived for study and education by students and faculty. Standard measurements (total length, tail length, hind foot length, ear length, tragus length, and forearm length) and locality information were recorded, providing a historical reference for bats in the eastern and central Kentucky area. Species prepared included eastern red bat (Lasiurus borealis), tricolored bat (Pipistrellus subflavus), and Rafinesque’s big-eared bat (Plecotus rafinesquii).
