How technology helps us understand bats
Our two most common bat species, Common and Soprano Pipistrelles (Pipistrellus pipistrellus and P. pygmaeus) were only identified as two distinct species in the late 1990s. Given how commonplace they are, it still took advances in technology and research for us to see the differences between the species. Bats come out when it’s dark and make sounds we can’t hear, so we are reliant on new and improving technology to keep improving our understanding. Let’s take a look at the key technology that allows us to do more accurate surveys for your development projects:
Bat Detectors
These are ultrasonic microphones and recording devices that allow us to detect and hear bat calls in real time, or record them for later analysis. These come in many varieties, from simple detectors with a simple number dial to select the frequency to full colour sonograms. Just like we can identify birds from their calls, we can identify many bat species from the sound of their echolocation!
Sometimes though, we need more detail to distinguish between species…
DNA Analysis
By collecting faecal samples, we can identify different species by analysing their DNA. This is particularly helpful for our Myotis bats, who have very similar echolocation calls but very different habitat needs and conservation statuses. Genetic sequencing has also helped us better understand bats evolution, population structures and diets.
Throughout summer, some bats end up in need of care from specialist bat carers around the country (there is even a bat carer as far north as Shetland!). Up until recently it was thought around one third of bats in care ended up there due to an encounter with a cat. Forensic analysis of bats’ wings revealed that two thirds of the bats in care had cat DNA on their wings, indicating a far more significant risk posed by cats than previously thought. Information like this not only helps us identify species, but also better understand the risks to their populations.
High Speed Cameras
For years we reported that bats ‘didn’t fly into each other’ and that they avoided collisions with ease. Then we got high speed cameras and we learned that for some species, collisions are just part of the deal for communal roosting. High speed cameras capture subtleties of their flight mechanics and hunting behaviours that we couldn’t see in any other way - they happen far too quickly for our eyes to see!
Thermal Imaging Cameras
Bats are incredibly sensitive to light pollution, so to observe bats in complete darkness we needed to turn to thermal imaging. This is important for understanding their roosting needs in more detail and ensuring we aren’t causing disturbance.
GPS Tracking
For flying animals, the general rule is to make sure any radio tags are less than 5% of the animals total weight. For a 5g Pipistrelle, that ruled out battery operated trackers until very recently. Battery technology has improved massively and miniature GPS tags are available for radiotracking even our smaller bat species. Radiotracking allows us to track movements on a larger scale, so we can see migration patterns, foraging ranges, and understand the landscape scale conservation needs of our native bat species.
Computer Modelling
Using all of the technology above, we can use computer models to analyse complex behaviours, population dynamics and responses to environmental changes. All of this information means we can better meet the needs of humans and bats - if we know what the bats need, we can be more precise in the compensation for each development we work on, and that gives you more options than a broad brushstroke approach.
Each of these technological advancements have improved our understanding of bat ecology, behaviour and physiology. Allowing us to perform more effective surveys and provide more helpful and accurate advice for you and your development. The more we know, the better we can do for you and the bats.
If you need a bat survey (or think you might) get in touch with our team of specialist ecologists!
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