Student Research Reports

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This study explores the connection between atmospheric conditions, suburban land use, and bat presence to understand and make sense of how environmental factors influence bat activity and population. The research highlights three key questions and concepts which consist of: how atmospheric parameters such as temperature, wind speed, humidity, and barometric pressure affect bat presence and activity, whether bats can serve as bioindicators of environmental quality, and how habitat variations in suburban environments impact/affect bat diversity. All the data recorded and collected was from two local suburban locations which were Kinloch (Site 1) and Hillcrest (Site 2) Elementary schools park area, using acoustic devices known as the Echo Meter Touch. This device along with GLOBE protocols were used to record bat presence, species frequency/variation, and environmental elements that influence bat activity. Findings in the beginning of the study indicate that activity is higher in areas with a surplus of vegetation and trees, with little to no human disturbance, proving that suburban development and artificial lighting may adversely affect bat populations. Results also suggest and support the idea that changes in bat diversity are directly proportional to quality of the environment, highlighting the bats as true bioindicators. These findings contribute to understanding urban wildlife ecology and provide sufficient insight into how suburban planning can better support and aid bat conservation. Future research could expand and build upon these findings and indications by incorporating additional sites and long term (longitudinal) studies to monitor and assess seasonal trends that occur within the bat habitat.