Bat Monitoring

Assessing the health of bat populations across Marin.

Objectives

  • Increase understanding of western bat species.
  • Provide data to inform conservation. 
  • Contribute to nationwide research about bats.

Techniques

  • High frequency acoustic monitoring.
  • Roost surveys based on temporary radio telemetry tagging.
  • Mist netting and health inspection.

No bats are harmed by these monitoring practices.

Project Partners

  • California State Parks
  • Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy
  • Marin County Parks
  • Marin Municipal Water District
  • National Park Service
  • Point Reyes National Seashore
  • U.S. Geological Survey
  • Western Ecological Research Center

Timeline

  • 2016 Peak Health ecological assessment identifies the need to study bats.
  • Summer 2017 & 2018: Acoustic monitoring at 31 park and open space sites.
  • Summer 2017 & 2018: Mist netting, telemetry tagging, and roost surveys.
  • 2019, 2020, 2021: Process data; assess and adjust monitoring process.