Watch a comprehensive webinar exploring the fascinating world of bat echolocation and bioacoustics research. Discover how bats utilize sound for navigation, hunting, and communication through detailed explanations of their unique abilities, from whispering bats to fishing specialists. Learn practical aspects of bat research including acoustic detection methods, equipment usage, and call identification techniques based on geography, frequency, shape, and pattern recognition. Gain insights into experimental design, including site selection, timing considerations, and playback studies examining feeding behavior. Originally presented by Hannah Wilson, this beginner-friendly presentation provides an accessible introduction to bat echolocation research while offering valuable information for those interested in joining the field.
Echolocation and Bioacoustics in Bats: From Basic Principles to Field Research
Overview
Syllabus
Intro
How do bats use sound
History of Echolocation
How does echolocation work?
Whispering Bats
Fishing Bats
Nectivorous bats
COMMUNICATION: distress calls
Individual Identification
Mating
What is bioacoustics?
Common uses of acoustic detection
Equipment: detectors
Acoustic detectors
How to ID a bat call: Geography
How to ID a bat call: Frequency
How to ID a bat call: Shape
How to ID a bat call: Pattern
How to ID a bat call: Experience
ID a bat call: Practice
Species ID
Species abundance
Site selection
Timing
Setting up detectors is hard
Equipment: speakers (SURPRISE!)
Playback experiments: Feeding behavior
Conclusion
Taught by
GBatNet
