Acoustic Ecology of European Bats: Species Identification, Study of their Habitats and Foraging Behaviour (Hardcover)
As nocturnal flying mammals, bats have developed a unique and very efficient means of navigating in the dark: sonar, or echolocation. Although the acoustic signals they emit are inaudible to the human ear, they can be perceived, recorded, and analyzed with appropriate equipment and software. In this book, Michel Barataud synthesizes more than two decades of research on acoustic ecology and bat sonar physics and detection. Highlighting technological advances, Barataud shows how he has developed an ever more efficient identification method using an initial, purely auditory approach (a “bat detector”) complemented by computer-assisted analysis of the ultrasonic signals. By following Barataud’s method and the data provided, readers will be able to identify about 85% of European bat acoustic records, including all the most widespread species, as well as carry out non-invasive bat inventories and research. Including a DVD of more than 300 audio samples and scatter diagrams of sonar emissions to aid in species identification, and featuring a contribution by bat sonar pioneer Yves Tupinier, Acoustic Ecology of European Bats will be an invaluable resource for all scientists of Chiroptera.
Michel Barataud is an independent researcher based in France, but he has studied bats of the Guianas, the Lesser Antilles, and Europe more broadly. Barataud has published widely on bat sonar and trained hundreds of naturalists in ultrasound analysis.
Anya Cockle-Bétian is an independent translator based in France.
Anya Cockle-Bétian is an independent translator based in France.
“Insights on biological sonar, basic concepts of acoustics, and parameter assessment of the use of ultrasound detectors are presented, enabling the reader to understand the fundamentals and acquire a working knowledge of the field. . . . This book is a worthwhile compilation that presents a useful guide and introduction to the eco-acoustics of European bats. It certainly delivers what the title suggests, ranging from the presentation of the most basic acoustic concepts to detailed description of acoustical applications and functions in the environment, with particular focus on interactions between bats and their habitat. This volume should be read by wildlife biologists and mammalogists desiring to study bats, as well as specialists whose research is centered on echolocation. Furthermore, we recommend that all academic institutions, especially those in Europe, have this valuable compilation in their libraries.”
— Journal of Mammalogy
"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."
— Stuart Newson
— Journal of Mammalogy
"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."
— Stuart Newson