A STUDY OF BAT HABITAT AND ACTIVITY AT TWO SITES IN DUBUQUE COUNTY, IOWA: MINES 
OF SPAIN AND WHITE PINE HOLLOW

Brian Lex and Laura Cady. Environmental Science Program, Biology Department
University of Dubuque, Dubuque, IA 52001

A study of bat activity at two sites in eastern Dubuque County, IA was conducted 
to determine species diversity, habitat suitability and effects due to human 
disturbances.  Mist netting for this experiment compared habitats at Mines of 
Spain along Catfish creek located near the Mississippi River, and along the 
Little Turkey River in White Pine Hollow.  Human disturbance, temperature, and 
rainfall effects were evaluated as they may have influenced bat inhabitation of 
the sites and activity levels. Greater species diversity was observed at White 
Pine Hollow, where four different species were captured.  These included the 
little brown bat (Myotis lucifugus), big brown bat (Eptesicus fuscus), silver-
haired bat (Lasionycteris noctivangans), and the endangered Indiana bat (Myotis 
sodalis). Only the big brown bat was captured at the Mines of Spain site. White 
Pine Hollow is a preserve with few human disturbances, and Mines of Spain is a 
recreational area visited frequently by humans.  Greater numbers of bats were 
observed following the wet spring than in the drier summer months. 

Keywords:   Chiropterans, bats, White Pine Hollow, Mines of Spain