Unlocking the Secrets of Lesser Horseshoe Bat Health: Data Collection Begins!

Embarking on an exciting milestone in our study, our team has initiated data collection at multiple Lesser Horseshoe Bat roost sites across North Wales!

Earlier this month, we began the collection of various types of data at our selected LHB roosts. This stage of the BATMAN project comes after months of meticulous planning, developing methodological approaches to maximize data collection while minimizing disruption to our winged subjects! For faecal sample collection, innovative devices have been created which will allow large numbers of samples to be collected over both 24 hour periods, and 1 month periods. Concurrently, we've initiated the gathering of environmental data, ranging from temperature and humidity within the roosts to sky luminance outside. On top of that, cameras and ultrasonic microphones have been placed in the roosts, so we can not only see the behaviours of the bats, but also hear what they are saying!

But what are we hoping to do with all this data?

Soon, our focus will shift to the lab, where we'll meticulously analyse the faecal samples, primarily examining levels of cortisol and corticosterone, commonly known as "stress hormones." Through this analysis, we aim to gain insights into the overall welfare of each roost. Subsequently, we'll correlate this information with environmental data to assess the impact of various factors on roost health, while behavioural data may illuminate indicators of stress.

But why is this research so important? Understanding the physiological health and well-being of bats is paramount for their conservation and for maintaining the delicate balance of the ecosystems they inhabit. Bats play pivotal roles in pollination, pest control, and seed dispersal, underscoring the significance of their well-being to biodiversity.

Be sure to stay tuned for updates as we delve deeper into the mysteries of wild bat monitoring through the lens of science and exploration!

Bat conservation and inspiring future scientists go hand in hand! 🦇

Our very first children’s Bat Conservation Workshop was held at the Exton Park, University of Chester campus on 7th February as part of an exciting Women in STEM Outreach Event! Students from local schools dove into the fascinating world of bat conservation, learning about bat behaviour and physiology, in addition to an array of monitoring techniques used to enhance species wellbeing and survival! Students were able to explore their creativity, making incredible BAT FACTS posters. The children developed an understanding of bats’ ecological value within our environment and the importance of preserving these fascinating creatures. Keen to join us on this rewarding journey to making a difference? Together, we can make a positive impact!

Watch this space to find out how our project will help fulfil this aim. Our UK bats are currently still hibernating, but we don't have too long to wait until our first field season!

Our First Visit to Lesser Horseshoe Bat Roosts!

We recently embarked on a series of expeditions through the scenic landscapes of North Wales, where we engaged with landowners overseeing Lesser Horseshoe bat roost sites. Our objective? To assess accessibility, foster partnerships, and develop effective strategies for collecting crucial data that will underpin the BATMAN project.

Under the guidance of Dr. Christina Stanley, members of our research team visited several roost locations in person for the first time, connecting with passionate landowners along the way. These interactions placed the groundwork for effective and vital partnerships. Landowner insights and cooperation are instrumental to the success of our research, and it was heartening to witness the local community’s active involvement in the preservation of bats and their habitats.

Each landowner shared valuable observations of the bats' behavior, detailing how they came to know and appreciate the roost they protect, challenges that they faced along the way and unique observations of the day-to-day lives of bats. These discussions played a pivotal role in tailoring our approach to each unique roosting site. By physically being at each site, we were able to plan our data collection methods to maximise efficiency and minimise disturbance. Understanding the lay of the land is crucial for planning effective data collection methods that respect the bats' habitat when the sun sets.

Stay tuned as we transition from daylight discussions to moonlit discoveries, sharing more insights, challenges, and triumphs from our ongoing research. Together, let's unravel the mysteries of Lesser Horseshoe bat behaviour and celebrate the wonders that both daylight and darkness reveal!