Kristina Montoya-Aiona has been with PIERC since 2010. Her research has focused on the ecology and conservation of the Hawaiian hoary bat (Lasiurus cinereus semotus). Kristina also manages safety and facilities for the center.
Education and Certifications
M.S. University of Hawai‘i at Hilo, Tropical Conservation Biology and Environmental Science, 2020
B.S. University of New Mexico, Biology, 2010
Science and Products
Filter Total Items: 14
Hypotheses and lessons from a native moth outbreak in a low-diversity, tropical rainforest
Outbreaks of defoliating insects in low-diversity tropical forests occur infrequently but provide valuable insights about outbreak ecology in temperate environments and in general. We investigated an extensive outbreak of the endemic koa moth (Scotorythra paludicola), which defoliated endemic koa trees (Acacia koa) over a third of their range on Hawai‘i Island during 2013 and 2014. At Hakalau Fore
Hawaiian hoary bat acoustic surveys on Marine Corps Base Hawaii, 2019–2021
The endangered Hawaiian hoary bat (Lasiurus semotus, Vespertilionidae, also known as Aeorestes semotus and ‘ōpe‘ape‘a) occurs on all the principal volcanic islands in Hawai‘i. Advances in acoustic bat monitoring techniques have contributed to the body of knowledge of bat activity and behavior in many areas of the State of Hawai‘i; however, there is still much that is unknown about the population a
Hawaiian hoary bat (Lasiurus cinereus semotus) acoustic monitoring at Hawaii Army National Guard (HIARNG) installations statewide
Acoustic sampling for occurrence of the endangered Hawaiian hoary bat (Lasiurus cinereus semotus) was conducted at 18 “long-term” acoustic monitoring stations on 12 Hawai‘i Army National Guard (HIARNG) installations across the islands of Hawai‘i, Maui, Moloka‘i, O‘ahu, and Kaua‘i between 2012 and 2018. Bats were confirmed as present at 10 of these installations: Kealakekua Armory, Keaukaha Militar
Screening and biosecurity for White-nose Fungus Pseudogymnoascus destructans (Ascomycota: Pseudeurotiaceae) in Hawai‘i
Introduced pathogens causing emerging infectious diseases (EIDs) are serious contemporary threats to animal, plant, and ecosystem health. The invasive fungus, Pseudogymnoascus destructans, has established populations of European origin in North America, resulting in mass mortality of several hibernating bat species. Extensive monitoring for this pathogen exists in Europe and North America, but lim
Hawaiian hoary bat (Lasiurus cinereus semotus) activity, diet and prey availability at the Waihou Mitigation Area, Maui
Habitat use, diet, prey availability, and foraging ecology of the endangered Hawaiian hoary bat (Lasiurus cinereus semotus, Vespertilionidae), was examined in the east Maui region inclusive of the Waihou Mitigation Area, Pu‘u Makua Restoration Area and the wind energy facility operated by Auwahi Wind Energy, LLC. The study was conducted to inform the mitigation and management requirements of Auwah
Hawaiian hoary bat (Lasiurus cinereus semotus) activity and prey availability at Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park
We examined habitat use and foraging activity of the endangered Hawaiian hoary bat (Lasiurus cinereus semotus), as well as nocturnal aerial insect abundance at Kaloko-Honōkohau National Historical Park located in the coastal region of Kailua-Kona, Hawai‘i Island. We evaluated bat activity in two habitat types, wooded shorelines beside brackish water fishponds and xeric lava fields dominated by two
Hawaiian hoary bat acoustic monitoring on U.S. Army O`ahu facilities
Acoustic sampling for occurrence of the endangered Hawaiian hoary bat (Lasiurus cinereus semotus) was conducted at 12 locations on U. S. Army installations on O‘ahu Island, Hawai‘i. Bats were confirmed as present at 10 of these locations: Dillingham Military Reservation, Helemano Military Reservation, Kahuku Training Area, Kawailoa Training Area, Mākua Military Reservation, Schofield Barracks East
Multi-state occupancy models of foraging habitat use by the Hawaiian hoary bat Lasiurus cinereus semotus
Multi-state occupancy modeling can often improve assessments of habitat use and site quality when animal activity or behavior data are available. We examine the use of the approach for evaluating foraging habitat suitability of the endangered Hawaiian hoary bat (Lasiurus cinereus semotus) from classifications of site occupancy based on flight activity levels and feeding behavior. In addition, we u
Do you hear what I see? Vocalization relative to visual detection rates of Hawaiian hoary bats (Lasiurus cinereus semotus)
Bats vocalize during flight as part of the sensory modality called echolocation, but very little is known about whether flying bats consistently call. Occasional vocal silence during flight when bats approach prey or conspecifics has been documented for relatively few species and situations. Bats flying alone in clutter-free airspace are not known to forgo vocalization, yet prior observations sugg
Winter distribution and use of high elevation caves as foraging sites by the endangered Hawaiian hoary bat, Lasiurus cinereus semotus
We examine altitudinal movements involving unusual use of caves by Hawaiian hoary bats, Lasiurus cinereus semotus, during winter and spring in the Mauna Loa Forest Reserve (MLFR), Hawai‘i Island. Acoustic detection of hoary bat vocalizations, were recorded with regularity outside 13 lava tube cave entrances situated between 2,200 to 3,600 m asl from November 2012 to April 2013. Vocalizations were
Behavior of the Hawaiian Hawaiian Hoary Bat (Lasiurus cinereus semotus) at wind turbines and its distribution across the North Ko'olau Mountains, O'ahu
We studied the landscape distribution of endemic Hawaiian hoary bats (Lasiurus cinereus semotus) on the north Ko‘olau Mountains of O‘ahu, Hawai‘i, from May 2013 to May 2014, while simultaneously studying their behavior at wind turbines within the broader landscape. This research aimed to assess the risk that wind turbines pose to bats on the island and integrated a variety of methods, including ac
Dynamics and ecological consequences of the 2013−2014 koa moth outbreak at Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge.
A massive outbreak of the koa moth (Geometridea: Scotorythra paludicola) defoliated more than a third of the koa (Acacia koa) forest on Hawai‘i Island during 2013−2014. This was the largest koa moth outbreak ever recorded and the first on the island since 1953. The outbreak spread to sites distributed widely around the island between 800−2,000 m elevation and in wet rainforest to dry woodland habi
High Elevation Cave Surveys for Bats and White Nose Syndrome
This project examined altitudinal movements of the endangered Hawaiian hoary bat and their use of high elevation caves on the slopes of Mauna Loa volcano on the island of Hawai‘i.
Marine Corps Base Hawaii Oahu Hawaiian Hoary Bat Acoustic Data 2019-2021
Acoustic sampling for presence of the endangered Hawaiian hoary bat (Lasiurus semotus, also known as Aeorestes semotus) was conducted at 17 stations across four Marine Corps Base Hawaii (MCBH) properties on O‘ahu Island, Hawai‘i. Bats were confirmed as present at all properties; MCBH K?ne?ohe Bay on M?kapu Peninsula, Marine Corps Training Area Bellows (MCTAB) in Waimanalo, Camp H.M. Sm
Hawaii Island, Hawaiian hoary bat acoustic data pre- and post-koa moth outbreak, 2007-2013
We examined Hawaiian hoary bat (Lasiurus semotus) presence and foraging activity at Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge and Lupahoehoe Forest Reserve on Hawai'i Island during the 2013 koa moth (Geometridea: Scotorythra paludicola) outbreak. Hawaiian hoary bat echolocation vocalizations were recorded at seven acoustic stations between 1069 and 1200 m above sea level that operated nightly from M
Hawaii Island, Hawaiian hoary bat roosting ecology and detection 2018-2019
The Hawaiian hoary bat (Lasiurus cinereus semotus), a federally and state listed endangered subspecies, is the only extant native terrestrial mammal in the Hawaiian archipelago. It is an insectivorous, solitary and foliage-roosting species that generally roosts alone or in mother-pup family groups. A total of 58 bats (17 female; 41 male; 56 adult; 2 juvenile) were captured at multiple locations on
Oahu U.S. Army Facilities Hawaiian Hoary Bat Acoustic Data 2015-2016
Acoustic sampling for occurrence of the endangered Hawaiian hoary bat (Lasiurus cinereus semotus) was conducted at 12 locations on U. S. Army facilities on O'ahu Island, Hawai'i. Bats were confirmed as present at 10 of these locations: Dillingham Military Reservation, Helemano Military Reservation, Kahuku Training Area, Kawailoa Training Area, M'kua Military Reservation, Schofield Barracks East Ra
Hawaii Army National Guard Hawaiian Hoary Bat Acoustic Monitoring 2012-2018 and Keaukaha Military Reservation Prey Study 2018
Acoustic sampling for occurrence of the endangered Hawaiian hoary bat (Lasiurus cinereus semotus) was conducted at 18 "long-term" acoustic monitoring stations on 12 Hawaii Army National Guard (HIARNG) installations across the islands of Hawaii, Maui, Molokai, Oahu, and Kauai between 2012 and 2018. Hawaiian hoary bat insect prey sampling with paired acoustic monitoring was conduct
Waihou Mitigation Area, Maui Island, bat acoustic activity, diet and prey availability, 2015 to 2018
Habitat use, diet, prey availability and foraging ecology of the endangered Hawaiian hoary bat (Lasiurus cinereus semotus, Vespertilionidae) were examined in the east Maui region inclusive of the Waihou Mitigation Area, Pu'u Makua Restoration Area and the wind power facility operated by Auwahi Wind Energy, LLC. The study was conducted to inform the mitigation and management requirements of Auwahi
Oahu multi-state occupancy models of foraging habitat use by Hawaiian hoary bats 2017
This data release consists of a single table that includes sample site geographic locations, insect prey abundance, and bat activity and behavior metrics. The dataset was used to develop multi-state occupancy models of foraging habitat use by Hawaiian hoary bats (Lasiurus cinereus semotus).
Hawaii Island Hoary Bat Acoustic and Visual Surveys 2014
Hawaiian hoary bat vocalization and visual detection records collected on Hawaii Island, Hawaii, September-October 2014. Bat echolocation was monitored with ultrasonic detectors and bat occurrence and behavior was monitored using thermal surveillance cameras.
Science and Products
- Publications
Filter Total Items: 14
Hypotheses and lessons from a native moth outbreak in a low-diversity, tropical rainforest
Outbreaks of defoliating insects in low-diversity tropical forests occur infrequently but provide valuable insights about outbreak ecology in temperate environments and in general. We investigated an extensive outbreak of the endemic koa moth (Scotorythra paludicola), which defoliated endemic koa trees (Acacia koa) over a third of their range on Hawai‘i Island during 2013 and 2014. At Hakalau ForeHawaiian hoary bat acoustic surveys on Marine Corps Base Hawaii, 2019–2021
The endangered Hawaiian hoary bat (Lasiurus semotus, Vespertilionidae, also known as Aeorestes semotus and ‘ōpe‘ape‘a) occurs on all the principal volcanic islands in Hawai‘i. Advances in acoustic bat monitoring techniques have contributed to the body of knowledge of bat activity and behavior in many areas of the State of Hawai‘i; however, there is still much that is unknown about the population aHawaiian hoary bat (Lasiurus cinereus semotus) acoustic monitoring at Hawaii Army National Guard (HIARNG) installations statewide
Acoustic sampling for occurrence of the endangered Hawaiian hoary bat (Lasiurus cinereus semotus) was conducted at 18 “long-term” acoustic monitoring stations on 12 Hawai‘i Army National Guard (HIARNG) installations across the islands of Hawai‘i, Maui, Moloka‘i, O‘ahu, and Kaua‘i between 2012 and 2018. Bats were confirmed as present at 10 of these installations: Kealakekua Armory, Keaukaha MilitarScreening and biosecurity for White-nose Fungus Pseudogymnoascus destructans (Ascomycota: Pseudeurotiaceae) in Hawai‘i
Introduced pathogens causing emerging infectious diseases (EIDs) are serious contemporary threats to animal, plant, and ecosystem health. The invasive fungus, Pseudogymnoascus destructans, has established populations of European origin in North America, resulting in mass mortality of several hibernating bat species. Extensive monitoring for this pathogen exists in Europe and North America, but limHawaiian hoary bat (Lasiurus cinereus semotus) activity, diet and prey availability at the Waihou Mitigation Area, Maui
Habitat use, diet, prey availability, and foraging ecology of the endangered Hawaiian hoary bat (Lasiurus cinereus semotus, Vespertilionidae), was examined in the east Maui region inclusive of the Waihou Mitigation Area, Pu‘u Makua Restoration Area and the wind energy facility operated by Auwahi Wind Energy, LLC. The study was conducted to inform the mitigation and management requirements of AuwahHawaiian hoary bat (Lasiurus cinereus semotus) activity and prey availability at Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park
We examined habitat use and foraging activity of the endangered Hawaiian hoary bat (Lasiurus cinereus semotus), as well as nocturnal aerial insect abundance at Kaloko-Honōkohau National Historical Park located in the coastal region of Kailua-Kona, Hawai‘i Island. We evaluated bat activity in two habitat types, wooded shorelines beside brackish water fishponds and xeric lava fields dominated by twoHawaiian hoary bat acoustic monitoring on U.S. Army O`ahu facilities
Acoustic sampling for occurrence of the endangered Hawaiian hoary bat (Lasiurus cinereus semotus) was conducted at 12 locations on U. S. Army installations on O‘ahu Island, Hawai‘i. Bats were confirmed as present at 10 of these locations: Dillingham Military Reservation, Helemano Military Reservation, Kahuku Training Area, Kawailoa Training Area, Mākua Military Reservation, Schofield Barracks EastMulti-state occupancy models of foraging habitat use by the Hawaiian hoary bat Lasiurus cinereus semotus
Multi-state occupancy modeling can often improve assessments of habitat use and site quality when animal activity or behavior data are available. We examine the use of the approach for evaluating foraging habitat suitability of the endangered Hawaiian hoary bat (Lasiurus cinereus semotus) from classifications of site occupancy based on flight activity levels and feeding behavior. In addition, we uDo you hear what I see? Vocalization relative to visual detection rates of Hawaiian hoary bats (Lasiurus cinereus semotus)
Bats vocalize during flight as part of the sensory modality called echolocation, but very little is known about whether flying bats consistently call. Occasional vocal silence during flight when bats approach prey or conspecifics has been documented for relatively few species and situations. Bats flying alone in clutter-free airspace are not known to forgo vocalization, yet prior observations suggWinter distribution and use of high elevation caves as foraging sites by the endangered Hawaiian hoary bat, Lasiurus cinereus semotus
We examine altitudinal movements involving unusual use of caves by Hawaiian hoary bats, Lasiurus cinereus semotus, during winter and spring in the Mauna Loa Forest Reserve (MLFR), Hawai‘i Island. Acoustic detection of hoary bat vocalizations, were recorded with regularity outside 13 lava tube cave entrances situated between 2,200 to 3,600 m asl from November 2012 to April 2013. Vocalizations wereBehavior of the Hawaiian Hawaiian Hoary Bat (Lasiurus cinereus semotus) at wind turbines and its distribution across the North Ko'olau Mountains, O'ahu
We studied the landscape distribution of endemic Hawaiian hoary bats (Lasiurus cinereus semotus) on the north Ko‘olau Mountains of O‘ahu, Hawai‘i, from May 2013 to May 2014, while simultaneously studying their behavior at wind turbines within the broader landscape. This research aimed to assess the risk that wind turbines pose to bats on the island and integrated a variety of methods, including acDynamics and ecological consequences of the 2013−2014 koa moth outbreak at Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge.
A massive outbreak of the koa moth (Geometridea: Scotorythra paludicola) defoliated more than a third of the koa (Acacia koa) forest on Hawai‘i Island during 2013−2014. This was the largest koa moth outbreak ever recorded and the first on the island since 1953. The outbreak spread to sites distributed widely around the island between 800−2,000 m elevation and in wet rainforest to dry woodland habi - Science
High Elevation Cave Surveys for Bats and White Nose Syndrome
This project examined altitudinal movements of the endangered Hawaiian hoary bat and their use of high elevation caves on the slopes of Mauna Loa volcano on the island of Hawai‘i. - Data
Marine Corps Base Hawaii Oahu Hawaiian Hoary Bat Acoustic Data 2019-2021
Acoustic sampling for presence of the endangered Hawaiian hoary bat (Lasiurus semotus, also known as Aeorestes semotus) was conducted at 17 stations across four Marine Corps Base Hawaii (MCBH) properties on O‘ahu Island, Hawai‘i. Bats were confirmed as present at all properties; MCBH K?ne?ohe Bay on M?kapu Peninsula, Marine Corps Training Area Bellows (MCTAB) in Waimanalo, Camp H.M. SmHawaii Island, Hawaiian hoary bat acoustic data pre- and post-koa moth outbreak, 2007-2013
We examined Hawaiian hoary bat (Lasiurus semotus) presence and foraging activity at Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge and Lupahoehoe Forest Reserve on Hawai'i Island during the 2013 koa moth (Geometridea: Scotorythra paludicola) outbreak. Hawaiian hoary bat echolocation vocalizations were recorded at seven acoustic stations between 1069 and 1200 m above sea level that operated nightly from MHawaii Island, Hawaiian hoary bat roosting ecology and detection 2018-2019
The Hawaiian hoary bat (Lasiurus cinereus semotus), a federally and state listed endangered subspecies, is the only extant native terrestrial mammal in the Hawaiian archipelago. It is an insectivorous, solitary and foliage-roosting species that generally roosts alone or in mother-pup family groups. A total of 58 bats (17 female; 41 male; 56 adult; 2 juvenile) were captured at multiple locations onOahu U.S. Army Facilities Hawaiian Hoary Bat Acoustic Data 2015-2016
Acoustic sampling for occurrence of the endangered Hawaiian hoary bat (Lasiurus cinereus semotus) was conducted at 12 locations on U. S. Army facilities on O'ahu Island, Hawai'i. Bats were confirmed as present at 10 of these locations: Dillingham Military Reservation, Helemano Military Reservation, Kahuku Training Area, Kawailoa Training Area, M'kua Military Reservation, Schofield Barracks East RaHawaii Army National Guard Hawaiian Hoary Bat Acoustic Monitoring 2012-2018 and Keaukaha Military Reservation Prey Study 2018
Acoustic sampling for occurrence of the endangered Hawaiian hoary bat (Lasiurus cinereus semotus) was conducted at 18 "long-term" acoustic monitoring stations on 12 Hawaii Army National Guard (HIARNG) installations across the islands of Hawaii, Maui, Molokai, Oahu, and Kauai between 2012 and 2018. Hawaiian hoary bat insect prey sampling with paired acoustic monitoring was conductWaihou Mitigation Area, Maui Island, bat acoustic activity, diet and prey availability, 2015 to 2018
Habitat use, diet, prey availability and foraging ecology of the endangered Hawaiian hoary bat (Lasiurus cinereus semotus, Vespertilionidae) were examined in the east Maui region inclusive of the Waihou Mitigation Area, Pu'u Makua Restoration Area and the wind power facility operated by Auwahi Wind Energy, LLC. The study was conducted to inform the mitigation and management requirements of AuwahiOahu multi-state occupancy models of foraging habitat use by Hawaiian hoary bats 2017
This data release consists of a single table that includes sample site geographic locations, insect prey abundance, and bat activity and behavior metrics. The dataset was used to develop multi-state occupancy models of foraging habitat use by Hawaiian hoary bats (Lasiurus cinereus semotus).Hawaii Island Hoary Bat Acoustic and Visual Surveys 2014
Hawaiian hoary bat vocalization and visual detection records collected on Hawaii Island, Hawaii, September-October 2014. Bat echolocation was monitored with ultrasonic detectors and bat occurrence and behavior was monitored using thermal surveillance cameras.