09-27-13 Bat Acoustic Monitoring Update

09-27-13 Bat Acoustic Monitoring Update

October 2, 2013

Debbie Leick shares an update on bat acoustic monitoring.

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Bat Acoustic Monitoring Update

We selected multiple locations to monitor for bat activity this fall. Each site shares the characteristic of a nearby water source, which attracts bats. In the evening, bats usually drink after they emerge from their day roosts. Water also draws the insects they prey on.

Every week we move several acoustic recorders to a new location. Preliminary results through mid-September are summarized below. The number of call files represents an estimate of bat activity level, but not abundance.

Monitors near the Tongue Creek wetland pond (above) and the Boondocks road seep (below) also recorded a large number of files.

The area near the corrals logged a low number of files. The habitat may not provide optimal conditions for bats. A water source obstructed by fencing, vegetation or other barriers may hinder a bat’s access and cause it to avoid the area.

The lower Sheep Camp stock tank logged the smallest number of call files. We plan to revisit this and other sites in October and spring to see if patterns persist. This winter, we will place monitors near water sources which usually remain unfrozen. Bats sometimes wake from hibernation to drink.

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