Abstract
AbstractWe present models of bat motion derived from radio-tracking data collected over 14 nights. The data presents an initial dispersal period and a return to roost period. Although a simple diffusion model fits the initial dispersal motion we show that simple convection cannot provide a description of the bats returning to their roost. By extending our model to include non-autonomous parameters, or a leap frogging form of motion, where bats on the exterior move back first, we find we are able to accurately capture the bat’s motion. We discuss ways of distinguishing between the two movement descriptions and, finally, consider how the different motion descriptions would impact a bat’s hunting strategy.
Funder
Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Subject
Computational Theory and Mathematics,General Agricultural and Biological Sciences,Pharmacology,General Environmental Science,General Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology,General Mathematics,Immunology,General Neuroscience