Flying by Night: USGS Scientists Put Technology to Work on Bats

Publisher: USGS | Science Center: Fort Collins Science Center (FORT, Ft. Collins) | Format: URL

www.fort.usgs.gov — How do you study something that flies under cover of darkness? This question persistently troubles scientists investigating the mysterious lives of bats. The 45 bat species that occur in the continental United States play important roles in U.S. ecosystems as major predators of flying insects and pollinators of desert plants. Bats also play an More... How do you study something that flies under cover of darkness? This question persistently troubles scientists investigating the mysterious lives of bats. The 45 bat species that occur in the continental United States play important roles in U.S. ecosystems as major predators of flying insects and pollinators of desert plants. Bats also play an as-yet poorly understood role in disease transmission cycles. For these reasons, it is important to monitor the health of bat populations. USGS-FORT biologists are continuing a legacy of bat research started early in the past century by predecessor agencies. By applying new technologies to old questions with elusive answers, the USGS is obtaining new and exciting information on this large and ecologically important group of mammals. Continuation of these efforts will help to ensure the proper assessment and future welfare of U.S. bat populations. Less...