Application of passive acoustic monitoring in Chiropteran research

doi:10.17520/biods.2024233

Abstract

Abstract:

Background: Passive acoustic monitoring (PAM) technology has become increasingly significant in wildlife research due to its non-invasive nature and capacity for continuous monitoring. A key taxonomic group for biodiversity and environmental monitoring using PAM are the order Chiroptera, commonly known as bats, with their unique echolocation abilities, nocturnality, and high sensitivity to environmental changes.

Progress: This review aims to comprehensively explore the applications of PAM in Chiropteran research and note the scientific and ecological breakthroughs that this new tool facilitates. We analyze the advantages and limitations of PAM, and summarize methods for effectively collecting and processing acoustic data to estimate and monitor bat diversity, activity patterns, population dynamics, habitat selection, and distribution. The review concludes with case studies from the literature that compare the impact of different environmental factors on bat diversity and activity, and that discuss how these variables affect data collection.

Prospects: This review concludes its assessment by noting the challenges that PAM faces in practical applications; by exploring the future prospects of the technology and its potential contributions to biodiversity conservation; and by proposing future research directions including technological innovation, citizen science involvement, and monitoring strategy optimization. These suggestions will help further advance the application of PAM technology in bat conservation and management by contributing to the protection of biodiversity.

Key words: bats, passive acoustic monitoring, biodiversity conservation, behavioral ecology

Yingying Liu, Lixin Gong, Hao Zeng, Jiang Feng, Yongjun Dong, Lei Wang, Tinglei Jiang. Application of passive acoustic monitoring in Chiropteran research[J]. Biodiv Sci, 2024, 32(10): 24233.

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URL: https://www.biodiversity-science.net/EN/10.17520/biods.2024233

https://www.biodiversity-science.net/EN/Y2024/V32/I10/24233

Figures/Tables 2

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