Studying Bats
Why Study Bats?
Scientists work with bats for all sorts of reasons. The work of the Malaysian Bat Conservation Research Unit focuses on understanding the diversity of bat species in Malaysia. How many species are there in an area of primary, undisturbed rainforest? How many species are there in disturbed forest? Are some species more common than others, and if so, why? Which species might be able to survive in disturbed habitats and which will not? If we can answer these questions we may be able to work out which species will need special attention and the best way to give it to them so that they can survive. ***Video about our objectives of the project***
How We Study Bats
Find out how the research team studies bats in Malaysia by watching the video “A Night’s Work …”
You can learn more about exactly how we catch bats here.
Once we have caught a bat, the first thing we do is to identify the species. With so many different species in Malaysia this isn’t always easy, especially as we might catch 10-15 species in a single night. We use field guides and identifications to help us — to learn more, head to the Bat Anatomy page, and then take a look at the video below *** identifying bats video***
We always measure the forearm of the bat and weigh it, and record the sex and age. We often put a wing band on one forearm. This is a light band of metal with a unique number engraved on it so that if we catch the individual again we will recognize it. we can then work out how far the bat has traveled since we last caught it, and how much older it is. When we have done all this we let the bat go, back where we caught it. ** processing video**
These data help us build up a picture of how many bat species are in the area, which species are most common and which are rare, how long they tend to live, when they breed and where they like to forage – information that helps us develop strategies for their conservation.
If we have a special interest in a particular species, we may want to know more about how it interacts with the environment by finding out what it eats and where it roosts.
