Bats have long been excluded from species data collection, in part because they’re so difficult to find and study. Using modern echometer technology, we can now identify species of bats relatively easily and cheaply with zero impact on the bats themselves, and start adding bats to our species lists, baseline reports, and grant applications. Additionally, the changing public perceptions of bats and increased awareness of their ecological importance make them wonderful subjects of community engagement events. We’ll chat about the general ecology of bats in Michigan, ongoing partnerships actively studying bat populations, and specific monitoring methodology.
