Acoustic Ecology of European Bats: Species Identification, Study of their Habitats and Foraging Behaviour.

Bats, being nocturnal flying mammals, have developed a special and very efficient means of navigating in the dark: the sonar. Although the acoustic signals they emit are inaudible to the human ear, they can be perceived, recorded and analysed with appropriate equipment and software.

This second edition of Acoustic Ecology of European Bats is a product of the knowledge and skill acquired by its author over more than two decades of constant research on the subject of ultrasound detection. The initial, purely auditory, approach is complemented by the computed-assisted analysis of the ultrasonic signals. With the method described in this book, a bat detector and a computer, the reader will be able to identify about 85% of bat acoustic records in Europe, carry out bat inventories and other more in-depth surveys without disturbing the animals. Thirty-five of the 42 European bat species, including all the most widespread species, are covered.

Acoustic Ecology of European Bats also includes access to more than 300 downloadable files online that can be used to practice and develop skills in identifying bats by their sonar signals. This replaces the DVD-ROM that came with the first edition.

Biography:

Michel Barataud has spent many years researching bat sonar signals, not only in Europe but also in the Guyanas and Lesser Antilles. Drawing on his personal field experience and his ability to make the most of technological advances, he has developed an efficient identification method and disseminated his findings through a large number of publications.  A dedicated teacher, he has trained several hundred bat enthusiasts in ultrasound analysis and fostered a vast network of naturalists.

Yves Tupinier is pioneer in bioacoustics and a life-long friend. His contribution to this book is a precious addition.

From a review of the first edition:

“Acoustic Ecology of European Bats contains a wealth of as yet unpublished information indispensable to amateur naturalists and professionals involved in the management of protected areas or in environmental impact studies. This is the most extensive reference on the acoustic identification of European bats. Whilst I think that everyone working on bats should have a copy of this book…”
Stuart Newson – BTO