Bats of the United States and Canada

Additional Techniques

90 bats of the united states and canada Additional Techniques Night-vision (or starlight) scopes and ultrasonic detectors are used to observe bats at night. Bats may also be fitted with small vials containing a chemical light substance (Cyalume) so researchers can observe their flight behavior, determine foraging habitat, and track movements . Environmental conditions in roost sites are monitored with electronic data loggers to determine microclimate factors such as temperature and humidity. These tiny data loggers can even be attached directly to bats. Activity by humans in ungated caves and mines can be monitored with light-sensitive or motion-sensitive devices that record date and time of a disturbance. Some bats have been tagged with microchips for later identification . Data on temperature and humidity at roost sites can be obtained, as well as information on sex ratios, reproduction, swarming, longevity , diet, mortality, effects of cave gates and fences, and various other behavioral and ecological data. Long-term monitoring programs have been initiated to determine population trends over time and ascertain the effectiveness of management measures already initiated. Some tools used by researchers to study bats: radiotransmitter and battery, vial that can hold chemical light (Cyalume) used to observe flight of bats at night, and several types of bands for wings (the small colored bands are used by most researchers). Michael J. Harvey ...