The development of vocalizations in Pipistrellus pipistrellus (Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae) during post-natal growth and the maintenance of individual vocal signatures

The development of vocalizations during post-natal growth in the microchiropteran bat Pipistrellus pipistrellus is described. Vocalizations served as precursors of echolocation sounds and as isolation calls used to attract mothers. Although calls judged to be echolocation precursors tended to be of short duration and possessed high rates of frequency modulation when compared with isolation calls, a wide spectrum of intermediate calls existed making classification diffuse. Changes in the frequencies and durations of calls during growth are described. Multiple discriminant analysis showed considerable inter-individual variation in isolation calls, while the calls of any individual were remarkably consistent in their structure at both six days and 15 days of age. The relative importance of acoustic call parameters in contributing towards inter-individual variation changed between six days and 15 days. Vocal signatures of youngsters were probably important in allowing a mother to identify her own offspring in a creche thus preventing misdirected maternal care in this species, though vocal signatures of infants changed during development. Echolocation calls of flying juveniles were compared with calls from their mothers.