Perth volunteers discover new bat species using mobile sound detectors
Volunteers in Perth recorded five bat species using bat detectors, including Holt's long-eared bat never before detected there.
Researchers gave volunteers in Perth's Wanneroo area bat detectors that turn ultrasonic calls into sounds humans can hear. Across 23 night surveys, volunteers detected five bat species, including Holt's long-eared bat for the first time in the city.
Bats are hard to study because they're nocturnal and roost in hard-to-reach places like tree hollows and caves. Many participants said taking part made them feel more connected to nature and changed how they viewed bats.
Some volunteers who previously feared bats now appreciate them after hearing and tracking them.
- 23 night surveys
- Survey nights
- 5 species
- Bat species detected
- More than 80 species
- Australian bat species
- Wanneroo, Perth
- Study area
Why it mattersCitizen science fills gaps in what scientists know about where Australian bats live and how they use urban landscapes.
AustraliaNew tool helps track Australia's 80-plus bat species across towns and bushland; builds public appreciation for nocturnal wildlife.
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