Bats in Caves
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Many, although not all, species of bats use caves for at least part of the year. Caves (and sometimes mines) are especially important to some species at high latitudes, who shelter there during winter hibernation. Biologists like myself visit these hibernation sites to count bats — it is a convenient opportunity to census of the population and collect some types of data. You can read my reflections on how caves have changed since the introduction of the bat disease white-nose syndrome here.
Many, although not all, species of bats use caves for at least part of the year. Caves (and sometimes mines) are especially important to some species at high latitudes, who shelter there during winter hibernation. Biologists like myself visit these hibernation sites to count bats — it is a convenient opportunity to census of the population and collect some types of data. You can read my reflections on how caves have changed since the introduction of the bat disease white-nose syndrome here.
Bats in forests
At high-latitudes most bats are rely on forests or other non-cave ecosystems during at least part of the year. During warmer periods bats are not clustered in hibernation sites — but are more dispersed across the landscape and harder to find. For my research that includes bats during this time, I temporarily detain them by capturing them in mist-nets. Some bats are reliant on forests (or trees) year-round, and even overwinter in the snow-covered leaf-litter of forests.
At high-latitudes most bats are rely on forests or other non-cave ecosystems during at least part of the year. During warmer periods bats are not clustered in hibernation sites — but are more dispersed across the landscape and harder to find. For my research that includes bats during this time, I temporarily detain them by capturing them in mist-nets. Some bats are reliant on forests (or trees) year-round, and even overwinter in the snow-covered leaf-litter of forests.
Bat genetics
I use genomics to study evolutionary dynamics of bats. Genetic data can inform questions important not only to evolution, but also to conservation. Can evolutionary rescue save species from extinction? Are populations interbreeding across the landscape? Are drastic population declines associated with substantial losses in genetic diversity?
I use genomics to study evolutionary dynamics of bats. Genetic data can inform questions important not only to evolution, but also to conservation. Can evolutionary rescue save species from extinction? Are populations interbreeding across the landscape? Are drastic population declines associated with substantial losses in genetic diversity?
Citizen bat scientists
I am only one person. Some of my work involves enlisting the help of members of the public who are interested in bats to help study them. In addition to collecting valuable data, these collaborative efforts are an opportunity for members of the public to experience the world of bats. Bats are all around us, but rarely seen or heard because they are active at night and are nearly inaudible to the human ear. One of the most accessible ways for the average person to observe bats is through bioacoustics.
I am only one person. Some of my work involves enlisting the help of members of the public who are interested in bats to help study them. In addition to collecting valuable data, these collaborative efforts are an opportunity for members of the public to experience the world of bats. Bats are all around us, but rarely seen or heard because they are active at night and are nearly inaudible to the human ear. One of the most accessible ways for the average person to observe bats is through bioacoustics.
Bat calls
With specialized bioacoustic equipment you can 'hear' the unique calls of bats. This allows people to identify which species are flying about around them. The high-frequency echolocation calls of bats can be 'divided down' so that humans can hear them, and calls are displayed visually for fast identification. The sound/shape of the call differs depending on the species, what the bat is doing (for instance hunting for insects or emitting social calls), and how challenging the environment is to navigate.
With specialized bioacoustic equipment you can 'hear' the unique calls of bats. This allows people to identify which species are flying about around them. The high-frequency echolocation calls of bats can be 'divided down' so that humans can hear them, and calls are displayed visually for fast identification. The sound/shape of the call differs depending on the species, what the bat is doing (for instance hunting for insects or emitting social calls), and how challenging the environment is to navigate.
Bat outreach
I'm enthusiastic about sharing my knowledge on bats, conservation, or wildlife biology in general with any audience with a genuine interest. I have given talks and conducted other outreach activities for audiences including general museum or zoo-goers, caving enthusiasts, undergraduates looking to learn about careers in wildlife biology, farmers wanting to know about conservation mitigation measures, and children looking to learn about bats during Halloween. Contact me if you're interested in scheduling a talk or other event.
I'm enthusiastic about sharing my knowledge on bats, conservation, or wildlife biology in general with any audience with a genuine interest. I have given talks and conducted other outreach activities for audiences including general museum or zoo-goers, caving enthusiasts, undergraduates looking to learn about careers in wildlife biology, farmers wanting to know about conservation mitigation measures, and children looking to learn about bats during Halloween. Contact me if you're interested in scheduling a talk or other event.
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