Behavioural and Acoustic Monitoring
Responses to Anthropogenic Stressors
Quantifying behaviour, in particular acoustic communication, is an essential component of this project. Behaviours can provide insights into the daily routines, ecological roles, and population dynamics of bats. Understanding acoustic variation is equally crucial because bats rely heavily on echolocation calls for navigation, prey detection and social interaction. By analysing the intricate acoustic signatures of these calls, researchers can discern species-specific traits and even individual identities, shedding light on the rich behavioural diversity within bat populations. Furthermore, measuring acoustic variation can be used as a key tool in monitoring environmental changes, as alterations in bat calls can signal shifts in their habitat, prey availability, or the presence of disturbance factors. Therefore, the combined study of behavioural frequencies and acoustic variation allows us to maximise conservation efforts and further elucidate bats’ ecological significance.
Video Copyright Vincent Wildlife Trust
Hormone Quantification
Assay Development and Validation
Glucocorticoid hormones, such as cortisol in mammals, are valuable biomarkers used to measure stress levels in animals, including bats. These hormones are released in response to various stressors, helping organisms cope with challenges and maintain homeostasis.
By monitoring glucocorticoid levels in bat populations, researchers can assess the stressors these animals encounter in their environment.
This information is crucial for several reasons.
Firstly, it provides insights into the impact of human activities, such as habitat disturbance and pollution, on bat stress levels and overall health.
Secondly, understanding bat stress responses aids in conservation efforts by identifying vulnerable populations and informing management strategies to mitigate stress-related threats.
Additionally, studying glucocorticoids in bats contributes to our broader understanding of the physiological and behavioural adaptations these animals employ to survive in diverse ecosystems.
Measuring glucocorticoid levels in bats therefore serves as a powerful tool to gauge their well-being, assess environmental impacts, and guide conservation initiatives aimed at preserving these remarkable creatures.
Smart Nano-Electronics
Development of Wearable Smart Devices (WSDs)
Tracking bats in a non-invasive manner is of paramount importance in advancing our understanding of their behaviour and ecology while minimizing any adverse effects on these sensitive creatures. The development of Wearable Smart Devices (WSDs) by this project represents a significant leap forward in bat research. These self-powered, minimally invasive devices will offer a ground-breaking solution for the monitoring of bat movements in real time, allowing researchers to collect unprecedented data on their flight patterns, foraging behaviours and roosting preferences.
By attaching WSDs to bats in the same fashion as traditional bat rings, researchers can collect unprecedented data on their flight patterns, foraging behaviours, and roosting preferences. This innovative technology will not only enhance our knowledge of bats' intricate behaviours but will also allow us to study their responses to environmental changes and human disturbances with remarkable precision. Furthermore, the relatively non-invasive nature of WSDs will enhance the welfare of bats subject to research, aligning with conservation principles and promoting the sustainable coexistence of bats and human activities. In essence, WSDs hold the promise of revolutionising bat research by enabling comprehensive, real-time monitoring while safeguarding the welfare of these invaluable creatures.
BATMAN