Phenology of Emergence by Mediterranean Sympatric Cave-Dwelling Bats During Their Breeding Period

Abstract

A relatively inexpensive method is presented for recording bat emergences with Digital8® or mini-DV camcorders and near-infrared lamps. The recordings may be visually counted or automatically counted with a computer program. The Missouri Department of Conservation developed a statistical sampling method, in which 40 percent of the video sequence is counted by one or two observers. This "MDC method" is discussed, in which a total estimate of the emergence is made with 95 percent confidence limits. A bat stopwatch counting method also is given. Some preliminary information is reported on a more expensive thermography method for counting bats.