Social Calls of the Bats of Britain and Ireland: Expanded and Revised Second Edition

The social calls of bats are an area about which relatively little is known, but they are increasingly recognised as a useful aid to identification. This book summarises what is understood so far about these calls and encourages further research. It also includes an extensive downloadable library of sound files that offer a unique gateway into the private life of bats.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 300 pages
Publication date: 26 July 2022
Publisher: Pelagic Publishing

The social calls of bats are a fascinating and understudied aspect of their behavior, with much room for expansion in our understanding. While research in this area has been ongoing, there is still a need for more comprehensive studies to fully comprehend the significance of these calls. However, recent recognition of the usefulness of bat social calls in identification has sparked interest in their study. These calls are believed to be species-specific and can provide valuable insights into bat behavior, such as territorial activity by males during the mating season.

Given the routine collection and interpretation of bat echolocation data in research, conservation, and consultancy, it makes sense to build momentum behind incorporating social calls into mainstream bat-related work. A deeper understanding of this subject could lead to the development of non-intrusive survey methods that ensure that observations are purely natural. This, in turn, would contribute to better interpretation and more effective mitigation, compensation, and enhancement solutions for bat populations.

The book "Social Calls of Bats in Britain and Ireland, and North-West Europe" serves as a comprehensive summary of the current knowledge on social calls of bat species in these regions. Written by experts in the field, the book has been updated and expanded to include new information and examples. It provides a valuable resource for people engaged in bat studies, whether they are professionals or enthusiasts.

The book includes a foreword by Michel Barataud, a renowned bat authority. authority and author of "Acoustic Ecology of European Bats." Barataud's contribution adds credibility to the book and highlights the importance of studying social calls in understanding bat behavior.

The first edition of the book was already a valuable resource, but the new edition has been significantly enhanced. It now contains nearly double the number of figures and tables, providing detailed visual representations of the data discussed. The call library has also been completely overhauled, with all examples presented in full spectrum format. Additionally, three new chapters have been added, covering bat-related acoustics, settings for social interaction, and survey guidelines.

These new chapters will be particularly useful to researchers, conservationists, and consultants who are working with bat populations. The information provided in these chapters will help them design effective survey protocols, interpret data, and develop appropriate management strategies. The book also encourages others to undertake further research in this area, fostering a deeper understanding of bat social calls and their role in bat conservation.

In addition to its scientific value, the study of social calls of bats is also captivating for those who enjoy listening to these fascinating creatures. Bat social calls are produced with listeners in mind, and they can be heard in a variety of contexts, including forests, wetlands, and urban areas. Listening to these calls can provide a unique insight into the social dynamics of bat populations and their interactions with their environment.

Overall, the book "Social Calls of Bats in Britain and Ireland, and North-West Europe" is a valuable resource for anyone interested in bat biology, ecology, and conservation. It provides a comprehensive overview of the current knowledge on social calls and encourages further research in this area. By building momentum behind the consideration of social calls in mainstream bat-related work, we can hope to improve our understanding of these fascinating creatures and develop effective strategies for their conservation.

Weight: 740g
Dimension: 157 x 235 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781784273781
Edition number: 2 Revised edition