Is That a Bat?: A Guide to Non-Bat Sounds Encountered During Bat Surveys

Bat detector surveys are carried out by ecological consultants, researchers, conservationists, and hobbyists to understand and categorize non-bat sounds in surveys. These surveys generate vast amounts of audio recordings, resulting in a heavy workload associated with completing the sound analysis and reporting process. This resource will help bat workers to be more confident in recognizing, categorizing, and dismissing other sounds, and includes a substantial downloadable sound library (.wav format) that readers can listen to by ear or process through sound analysis software. The book also caters for sounds that are also heard by ear alone, in the field, during the hours of darkness.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 288 pages
\n Publication date: 06 January 2020
\n Publisher: Pelagic Publishing
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Bat detector surveys are conducted by a diverse group of individuals, including ecological consultants, researchers, conservationists, and hobbyists. By gaining a deeper understanding and categorization of non-bat sounds within these surveys, there are potential knock-on benefits for informing development projects and associated conservation efforts. In recent years, the number of individuals engaged in these surveys and recording bat calls with bat detectors has significantly increased. These surveys often produce vast amounts of audio recordings, leading to a substantial workload associated with completing the sound analysis and reporting process.

During the analysis, individuals may be distracted, intrigued, or delayed by unfamiliar and unidentified recordings. These recordings can encompass both "difficult-to-ID bat species" and sounds that are not directly related to bats. This is particularly true when noise triggers, such as insects, small mammals, or birds, resemble bat-related noise. Therefore, simply knowing what bats sound like is not sufficient. It is crucial to have a comprehensive knowledge of what other sources of noise look and sound like within the same soundscape.

This resource aims to assist bat workers, regardless of their environment, in confidently recognizing, categorizing, and dismissing other sounds. The book includes a substantial downloadable sound library (.wav format) that readers can listen to by ear or process through sound analysis software. Additionally, Is That a Bat? caters to sounds that can be heard solely by the ear, particularly in the field during the hours of darkness. These scenarios often leave bat surveyors intrigued or confused about the sounds they are hearing. In some instances, knowing the identity of these sounds can be valuable or, at the very least, provide clarity.

\n Weight: 626g\n
Dimension: 790 x 168 x 12 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781784271978\n \n