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Bat Activity and Habitat Studies

Bats are small, nocturnal flying mammals which makes them difficult to survey and study. Approximately 20 species of bats are known to occur in Canada, and are represented in all major vegetation zones, except the tundra regions of the north.

Bats are of concern to natural resource managers because of the unusual aspects of their ecology. Various types of development can affect bat habitat and activity, and management of bat populations requires information on these impacts. Specific areas of management concerns include:

• the possible role of these insectivores in controlling forest and agricultural pests
• knowledge of tree roosting requirements to ensure that suitable habitats are maintained
• the loss of alteration of key roosting sites due to the decommissioning of mines, bridges and buildings
• the rare and endangered status of several species

Resources

AXYS employs one of the most experienced and qualified bat biologists consulting in western Canada. We own and maintain a full suite of equipment necessary to conduct field inventory and research projects. Our staff are innovative and continually working to improve monitoring techniques and equipment. Only the most advanced and recent technology is incorporated into our studies.

Services

• Surveys and inventories of bats in forested areas, residential and commercial buildings
• Research and assessment of impacts to bat ecology from industrial development or forest harvesting activities
• Development of management plans for bio-diversity, including bat species
• Capture and monitoring of bats using the latest technological advances and equipment, including:
  • capture with mist nets and harp traps for species identification and monitoring
  • attaching miniature radio transmitters to bats to track and locate roost sites
  • ultrasonic detection to monitor bat activity patterns and habitat use
  • insect sampling to assess insect prey availability

Selected Experience

• Inventories of bat species diversity and relative abundance, including rare or endangered species, in Tree Farm Licenses for forestry companies in coastal, northern and interior British Columbia (B.C.)
• Survey and assessment of bat species in National Parks in the Caribbean
• Research projects with forestry companies examining habitat use and impacts on bat ecology in managed forests in B.C.
• Surveys for bat presence in areas where there may be related human health concerns
• Educational programs for bat awareness in the work place
• Development of standardized methodologies for bat inventories in B.C.