Endangered Species Survey of Abandoned Mine Shafts in the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area, Kentucky and Tennessee.

摘要

A total of 114 abandoned mine openings in the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area (BSFNRRA) was surveyed for the presence of endangered species of bats between December 10, 1982, and April 14, 1983. Although no endangered species were found, 351 bats representing 6 species were encountered using these mines. Species encountered include eastern pipistrelle, Rafinesque's big-eared bat, big brown bat, Keen's bat, little brown bat, and small-footed bat. Suitability of mines as bat habitat, accounts of bat species encountered, life history requisites of endangered Indiana and gray bats, methods of closing abandoned mine openings, protecting bat habitat and the public, and other management considerations are discussed. Alternatives for treatment of abandoned mine openings in the BSFNRRA are presented.