Abstract
Aim To investigate the movement and migration of tropical Asian bats using stable hydrogen isotope analysis. We address a major knowledge gap for bats and apply a novel method for analyzing migration in Asia based on isotopes. Location Tropical and subtropical regions of Asia. Taxon Bats (Chiroptera). Methods We constructed a high‐resolution isoscape map of stable hydrogen isotopes in precipitation (δ 2 H p ) using mixed models. Samples of the stable hydrogen isotopes in bat hair (δ 2 H h ) were collected from 25 species, and isotope ratios were measured from 739 individuals. The influence of sex, elevation and month of capture on δ 2 H h was analyzed. To assess the potential for migration of each sample, δ 2 H h values were compared with predicted isoscape values to assess where hair may have been grown and if it is consistent with the capture location of each individual bat. Results δ 2 H h and δ 2 H p are low at higher latitudes, inland areas and higher elevations, while they are high in coastal and lower elevations. δ 2 H h values in bat hair are influenced by species, sex, elevation and month of capture. Myotis laniger and Taphozous melanopogon were identified as migratory, whilst Kerivoula hardwickii , Murina cyclotis , Miniopterus fuliginosus , Miniopterus magnater , Miniopterus muricola , Miniopterus siligorensis and Miniopterus horsfieldii are potentially migratory. Most Rhinolophidae and Hipposideridae species appear non‐migratory. Main Conclusions This study provides the first application of stable hydrogen isotope analysis to understand bat migration in tropical Asia, revealing complex movement behaviours including partial migration and sex‐biassed movements in some species. The findings advance our understanding of bat ecology in the region, providing the first evidence of migration in Asian bats. We discuss current limitations and potential for future studies, paving the way for future research on migration for small bodied taxa in tropical regions.