Institute of Forest Ecology

@article{Naďo2018,
title = {Cooperative nest‐defence behaviour and territory quality in a resident and socially monogamous passerine},
author = {L. Naďo and M. Kašová and A. Krištín and P. Kaňuch},
doi = {10.1111/eth.12755},
issn = {1439-0310},
year = {2018},
date = {2018-01-01},
journal = {Ethology},
volume = {124},
number = {7},
pages = {514-526},
abstract = {Nest defence is a fundamental aspect of parental care in secondary cavity‐nesting birds, and predation or competition for nesting sites can involve different defensive behaviours. Because habitat quality determines breeding success, we were interested in whether breeding pairs of the Eurasian nuthatch, Sitta europaea, established in more favourable environment also manifest higher probability of cooperative behaviour during their nest‐site defence. To explore this relationship, we quantified behavioural displays of both parents and analysed activity budget ethogram data from simulated territorial intrusions performed in the chick‐feeding phase with one conspecific and two different heterospecific stimuli (dummies of nuthatch, starling and woodpecker). We found that paired individuals shared their roles during nest‐site defence to a considerable extent. Males had a significantly higher number of attacks on intruders than females, and females performed more threat displays and controls of the brood than males. Multinomial analysis of the cooperative behaviour suggested that pairs in a high‐quality territory had higher probability of reciprocal substitution of different roles towards a balance between attacks, threat displays and nest controls. Contrary to this, pairs in a low‐quality territory had less likely pairwise combinations of simultaneous behavioural states that are associated with effective nest‐site defence. The difference in response probability according to territory quality was, however, highly variable in view of the stimulus that was used in simulated territorial intrusion. Because individual roles and the complex behavioural repertoire of pairs altered in response to territory quality and potential nest‐site competitor or brood predator, our results suggest that the cooperative nest‐defence behaviour could be linked to the breeding success of this year‐round territorial species living in a heterogeneous forest habitat. },
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}

@inproceedings{Zelenka2018,
title = {SkyBat: a swarm robotic model inspired by fission-fusion behaviour of bats},
author = {J. Zelenka and T. Kasanický and I. Budinská and L. Naďo and P. Kaňuch},
year = {2018},
date = {2018-01-01},
booktitle = {RAAD 2018},
abstract = {An agent based model - SkyBat, based on long-term observation of bats behaviour under fission-fusion dynamics, is presented in this paper. The agents cooperate while searching for specific targets of interest in an unknown area. Although the agents are autonomous, they have an ability to move from one location to another without a group leader and to react to changes in environment.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {forthcoming},
tppubtype = {inproceedings}
}

@article{Naďo2017,
title = {Structural, temporal and genetic properties of social groups in the short-lived migratory bat \textit{Nyctalus leisleri}},
author = {L. Naďo and R. Chromá and P. Kaňuch},
doi = { 10.1163/1568539X-00003444 },
issn = { 0005-7959},
year = {2017},
date = {2017-01-01},
journal = {Behaviour},
volume = {154},
number = {7-8},
pages = {785-807},
abstract = {Social groups of bats that operate under fission–fusion dynamics tend to establish and maintain non-random associations. We examined the social and genetic structure of the Leisler’s bat (Nyctalus leisleri), a species that is typical of tree-dwelling and long-distance migratory species in Europe. We used long-term co-occurrence data (capture-recapture sampling of roosting individuals) in combination with individual genetic relatedness (inferred from a set of microsatellite markers) to assess relationships between structural, temporal and genetic properties of roosting groups. Our results showed that social structure in groups of roosting Leisler’s bat was not random. Social clusters revealed by network analysis were almost identical to demographic cohorts, which indicates that Leisler’s bats are able to maintain social bonds only over a single season. After the period of active maternal care, roosting groups became smaller with a significantly higher level of genetic relatedness among adult females in contrast to the pregnancy and lactation stages. This provides some evidence that temporal social associations may be positively correlated with genetic relatedness. Low recapture rates of bats across seasons in light of natal philopatry indicates a shorter life span of individuals likely due to high mortality during long distance migratory movements. This probably has the most significant effect on the social system of this species.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}

@article{Maxinová2016,
title = {Foraging strategy of Kuhl's pipistrelle at the northern edge of the species distribution},
author = {E. Maxinová and M. Kipson and L. Naďo and P. Hradická and M. Uhrin},
url = {http://www.bioone.org/doi/abs/10.3161/15081109ACC2016.18.1.012},
doi = {https://doi.org/10.3161/15081109ACC2016.18.1.012},
issn = {1508-1109},
year = {2016},
date = {2016-01-01},
journal = {Acta Chiropterologica},
volume = {18},
number = {1},
pages = {215-222},
abstract = {Rapid range expansion of Kuhl’s pipistrelle (Pipistrellus kuhlii) has been observed throughout Europe, and in addition to its natural habitats of temperate grasslands and agricultural areas, the species is common in city centres, where it roosts in human-made structures. It has been suggested that the flexibility of this species in regard to different human-induced changes, such as climate change and urbanization, is responsible for the apparent range shift. Although P. kuhlii exhibits one of the highest degrees of synanthropy among bat species in Europe, its ecology has thus far not been thoroughly studied. This study aims to describe its foraging and roosting selection in Central Europe (eastern Slovakia), where the northernmost maternity colony of P. kuhlii roosts in human settlements. Radio-tracking was conducted during the pre-parturition and post-lactation periods. We identified six artificial roosts within the study area that were interlinked, with bats switching between them. Ten individuals were used for modelling foraging-habitat utilization, which revealed that bats were highly selective. The only habitat type that bats clearly preferred, regardless of season, was an urban illuminated area close to a river. Only slight avoidance — of open areas — was observed during the pre-parturition period.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}

@article{Kaňuch2016,
title = {A noteworthy record of \textit{Rhinolophus hipposideros} nursery roost under a road bridge},
author = {P. Kaňuch and L. Naďo and A. Krištín},
url = {http://www.ceson.org/vespertilio/18/163_166_Kanuch.pdf},
issn = {1213-6123},
year = {2016},
date = {2016-01-01},
journal = {Vespertilio},
volume = {18},
pages = {163-166},
abstract = {In central Europe, roosts under road bridges are reported only rarely for few bat species. Under the concrete road bridge located close to the Hontianske Nemce village (central Slovakia), an abundant (up to 270 females) nursery colony of Rhinolophus hipposideros was found. Using infrared monitors, it was confirmed that the bats occurred in the roost permanently during the whole observed period (May – August 2015) while females gave births there at the end of June. It is the first roost of such type for this species recorded in central Europe and also the biggest colony of R. hipposideros known in the surrounding region.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}

@article{L.2015,
title = {Swarming behaviour associated with group cohesion in tree-dwelling bats},
author = {L. Naďo and P. Kaňuch},
url = {http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0376635715300358},
doi = {https://doi.org/10.1016/j.beproc.2015.09.005},
issn = {0376-6357},
year = {2015},
date = {2015-11-01},
journal = {Behavioural Processes},
volume = {120},
pages = {80–86},
abstract = {Group living of social species increases the individual survival rate and enhances optimal exploitation of resources within their environment. Groups of cryptic tree-dwelling bats perform frequent roost switching on relatively long distances, whereas groups are temporarily disintegrated during foraging that precedes moving into new roost. In this study, we attempted to elucidate a mechanism in which group members can select new roost from a large set of potential roosting sites without disintegration of the whole group. Exploring the activity at the front of the tree hollows, recorded by automatic infrared monitors, we found that the swarming activity of Leisler’s bats was performed during the whole night and was concentrated before the civil twilight at occupied roosts. A generalized linear model revealed significant positive association between the group size and swarming activity while season had negative but smaller effect. As bats swarmed the whole night also at sites that were less occupied or even unoccupied, we suggest that members of a bat colony selected new roost from a potentially larger set of available roosting sites. Thus, we propose a possible signalling role of swarming as a threshold behaviour that ensures group cohesion during roost switching.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}

@article{L.2015b,
title = {Roost site selection by tree-dwelling bats across biogeographical regions: an updated meta-analysis with meta-regression.},
author = {L. Naďo and P. Kaňuch},
url = {http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/mam.12044/abstract},
doi = {10.1111/mam.12044},
issn = {1365-2907},
year = {2015},
date = {2015-08-18},
journal = {Mammal Review},
volume = {45},
number = {4},
pages = {215–226},
abstract = {1. Bats roosting in tree cavities, under loose bark or just on branches in foliage, so-called tree-dwelling bats, are a very diverse and abundant group of species. Although they can be very different species with locally distinct needs, radical exploitation of forest habitats and global changes have meant that many of them are regionally endangered and survive today only in small populations. To help develop appropriate conservation policies and management plans, much research in recent decades has been focussed on inferring habitat selection by tree-dwelling bats. However, large variability in the reported selection patterns makes it difficult to suggest some more-or-less universal and easily applicable management recommendations, also for regions in which nature conservation awareness is low. 2. We created a meta-analytic model to explore selection patterns at a global scale. Phylogenetic relationships among species and additional variables were included to explain discrepancies between studies. 3. A meta-analytic model showed that bats are selecting trees with trunk diameters that are larger than those of randomly selected trees, and this pattern is consistent within each biogeographical region. However, meta-regression revealed that the detectability of the selection depends strongly on the structural variability
within the study environment (size of randomly selected or surrounding trees in forest stands, forest fragmentation, habitat disturbance) and on the methodological approach that has been applied (the length of the study). We found stronger selection for larger trees in non-fragmented and less disturbed forests than in fragmented forests with high habitat disturbance, and, strikingly, short-term studies yielded results with stronger selection than long-term studies. 4. Our results suggest that patterns of roosting habitat selection by bats may be overestimated in some studies. In conclusion, we propose that further research should be conducted in all types of forest ecosystem (data from the tropics are currently missing). Future studies should include at least three years of data collection, in order to avoid estimation bias in habitat selection patterns.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}

@article{M.2014b,
title = {Structure of tree vegetation may reduce costs of territory defence in Eurasian Nuthatch \textit{Sitta europaea}},
author = {M. Kašová and L. Naďo and P. Kaňuch},
url = {http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/00063657.2014.933771},
year = {2014},
date = {2014-07-15},
journal = {Bird Study},
volume = {61},
pages = {413-420},
abstract = {Capsule: In pastured old oak woodland, breeding pairs of Eurasian Nuthatch selected territories with
significantly higher densities of trees and cavities. Aims: To define territorial borders that exist within a nuthatch population and to compare densities of trees and cavities between used and non-used parts of their available habitat in order to determine habitat preferences. Methods: The number and location of territories was estimated by mapping the individual positions of colour-ringed birds. We measured habitat characteristics in regular sampling grid (number of trees and number of cavities per 50×50 m) during three successive seasons and modelled probability of occurrence of nuthatch territories in the area. Results: Breeding pairs were observed to defend territories of median size between 1.46 and 2.93 ha. These sizes correspond well to high-quality habitat territories for this species. We found that pairs tended to occupy territories with higher densities of trees and cavities. Based on generalized linear mixed-effects model estimates, we found that in pastured oak woodland habitat with density of 60 trees per ha, the estimated probability of occurrence (with 95% confidence interval) of a nuthatch territory was about 96%
(83−99). For cavity density, the probability of territory occurrence was about 74% (52−89) at the level of 60 cavities per ha. Conclusion: We suggest that higher tree and cavity densities reduce territory defence costs in the species
because birds may use less energy during foraging, predation avoidance and competition for a nest hole.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}

@article{L.2013,
title = {Dawn swarming in tree-dwelling bats – an unexplored behaviour},
author = {L. Naďo and P. Kaňuch},
url = {http://www.bioone.org/doi/abs/10.3161/150811013X679008},
issn = {1508-1109 },
year = {2013},
date = {2013-11-06},
journal = {Acta Chiropterologica},
volume = {15},
number = {2},
pages = {387-392},
abstract = {In colonial tree-dwelling bats, is vital to prevent disintegration of the group during frequent roost-switching. Thus some mechanisms which maintain group cohesion are expected. Dawn swarming is a set of behavioural displays observed in many such bats before they enter the roost. It is suggested that this behaviour plays a role in transferring information about the roost position. However this phenomenon had not been explored in detail. Based on qualitative and quantitative description of behaviour we suggest its potential function. Using field-based video-recordings of swarming sessions made on maternity colonies of Leisler’s bat (Nyctalus leisleri), we constructed ethograms which revealed remarkably similar behavioural sequences among individuals. For more than two hours
prior to sunrise, individual flybys in front of the roost entrance predominated, followed by landings and leaps, which preceded the final entering of the roost. Interestingly, no obvious peak of behavioural activity was found at any particular time during swarming but a wave-like pattern was observed. We suggest that individuals are swarming in close proximity to the roosting tree with some purpose, most probably serving as a beacon for other group members and thus marking the current location of the roost.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}

@article{A.2013b,
title = {Response to Orthoptera to clear-cuts in beech forests},
author = {A. Sliacka and A. Krištín and L. Naďo},
url = {http://www.eje.cz/artkey/eje-201302-0018_response_of_orthoptera_to_clear-cuts_in_beech_forests.php},
year = {2013},
date = {2013-04-11},
journal = {European Journal of Entomology},
volume = {110},
number = {2},
pages = {319-326},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}

@article{Sliacka2013,
title = {Orthoptera assemblages of beech stand plots during early succession stages after clearcutting},
author = {A. Sliacka and A. Krištín and L. Naďo},
year = {2013},
date = {2013-01-01},
journal = {Journal of Forest Science},
volume = {59},
number = {3},
pages = {93-100},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}

@article{Naďo2011,
title = {Tree roosts and competitors of \textit{Nyctalus noctula} in the Sihoť town park, Nitra, Slovakia},
author = {L. Naďo and M. Ceľuch and M. Ševčík and P. Kaňuch},
url = {http://www.ceson.org/vespertilio/15/nado2012vesp.pdf},
issn = {1213-6123},
year = {2011},
date = {2011-01-01},
journal = {Vespertilio},
volume = {15},
pages = {71-77},
abstract = {Old parks provide roosting opportunities for tree-dwelling species in an extensively urbanized landscape. We compared morphological characteristics of roosts inhabited by Nyctalus noctula bats with those of other species such as birds and socially living insects, to find preferences of various tree-dwelling guilds. Morphological characteristics of roosts used by N. noctula did not significantly differ from those of other tree-dwelling species, and the analysis revealed a large degree of overlap in their realised niches. Especially bats and birds used hollows with common attributes. Hence, a question arises about possible competition for tree hollows among different groups of dwellers.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}