Bat Ecology and Conservation + Introduction to Bat Survey Techniques

2 days (including evening on Day 1)

A good follow-up course from the Introduction to Bats, containing more detail and aimed at those who are starting to work towards their bat licence.  The course will cover some of the elements that are in the training checklist in the Bat Worker’s Manual.  You will learn about:

·        Bat species in the UK, their habitats and distributions

·        Bat taxonomy and relationships to other mammals

·        Bat biology including adaptations, life strategies, senses, physiological specialisations.

·        Bat food and feeding, echolocation

·        Bat seasons and diurnal rhythms including social behaviour, colony formation, roost sites, hibernation, maternity colonies.

·        Bat conservation – threats to bats including habitat loss, loss of roosts, pesticides and persecution

·        Bats and the law – legal status and licences

·        Training for your bat license

·        Bat ID in the hand (Powerpoint and bats/keys)

·        Evening bat survey and use of basic detectors

·        Health and safety – in and around buildings, night work

·        Bat droppings and other bat signs

·        Assessing buildings – bat potential, bat signs, seasonal use (site visit)

·        Case studies

·        Bat activity surveys

·        Emergence surveys

·        Frequency of survey

·        Looking at maps and aerials to assess foraging and commuting routes

·        Presenting your findings

·        Use of bat detectors and other equipment