LiDAR metrics predict suitable forest foraging areas of endangered Mouse-eared bats (Myotis myotis)

• Single layered forest with dense canopy is preferred foraging habitat of M. myotis. LiDAR data proves to be powerful predict the A nationwide map predicting habitats informs conservation management. Habitat shift caused by human impact on vegetation structure poses a great threat species which are specialized unique habitats. beech forests, main Greater Mouse-eared Bats ( Myotis myotis ) , threatened recent changes in structure. After this suffered considerable population losses until 1970s, their roosts buildings strictly protected. However, some populations still declining. Thus, spatial identification suitable would essential ensure policy. The aim study was (a) verify relevance structural variables for activity and (b) evaluate potential (Light Detection Ranging) species. We systematically sampled bat forests close 18 maternity Switzerland applied generalized linear mixed model (GLMM) fit recorded field derived from LiDAR. found that defined single forest, canopy, no shrub layer free flight space. Most importantly, key can well predicted airborne data. This allows first time create prediction maps inform method has special significance endangered large use, whose resources hard identify widely distributed across landscape.