The Bat Survey Techniques Workshop is a 2-day introductory workshop based at the Ken Reid Conservation Area in Lindsay Ontario. The course covers the methods commonly used to survey bats and their habitats in Ontario, with references to techniques employed in other jurisdictions. This course combines in-class learning and hands-on field experiences.

 

The curriculum begins with training on the habitat requirements of the eight bat species found in Ontario. Participants will learn to consistently characterize general habitat types, often using the Ecological Land Classification (ELC) system. This includes assessing both natural and anthropogenic habitats. Understanding bat habitat is crucial for designing effective acoustic survey programs, which are the focus of most bat monitoring projects.

 

The course will then present standard techniques for planning and executing an acoustic monitoring program. Topics include selecting appropriate survey equipment, determining optimal installation locations in the field, and managing the resulting raw data. While the course will briefly introduce data analysis methods, the in-depth interpretation of acoustic bat data is beyond the scope of this program.

 

Additionally, the curriculum will touch on advanced survey techniques that may be employed in specialized research or project settings. The benefits and limitations of these more complex approaches will be discussed.

The field component of the course will provide hands-on experience in evaluating bat habitats and setting up passive acoustic monitors for a one-night survey.

 

This is not a certification course but rather an informative introduction to valuable field techniques and their underlying assumptions and constraints. Participants will gain the knowledge needed to design their own bat survey programs and interpret the results. Further training and experience will be required for in-depth acoustic data analysis and the use of advanced survey techniques.