Bats of the United States and Canada

Radiotelemetry

86 bats of the united states and canada Radiotelemetry Some bats are fitted with tiny radiotransmitters and their movements are tracked with directional antennae and radio receivers. These transmitters should weigh no more than 5%–10% of the weight of the bat. Unfortunately, because of their small size and short battery life, transmitters only have a range of a few kilometers, depending on environmental conditions, and transmit for only a few weeks. This technique has been especially helpful in studying nightly activity and in locating summer roost sites of several species that roost under loose bark of dead trees or in other cryptic locations. Radiotransmitter attached to an endangered gray bat (Myotis grisescens). Bats equipped with radiotransmitters can be located using a radio receiver and antenna. This method is useful for finding maternity colonies in trees, locating hibernation sites, determining foraging areas, and mapping movement patterns among roosting sites. Troy L. Best recto runninghead 87 Antenna used with a radio receiver to monitor signals from bats carrying radiotransmitters. Troy L. Best Radio receiver used to monitor signals from bats carrying a radiotransmitter . Troy L. Best ...