Bat Identification and Survey Methods: Beginner to Intermediate Level

This workshop is aimed at those who are relatively new to bat work. During the course, participants will gain practical experience in different methods used to survey for bats and their roosts. The workshop will be led by two of Ireland's foremost bat specialists, Bat Conservation Ireland staff members Niamh Roche and Karen Healy. Some of the topics we will cover include - signs of bats during daytime surveys, assessing roost potential, nighttime surveys of bat roosts using various tools such as detectors, thermal imaging and endoscopes, sonogram analysis.  Field work will take place at a number of locations in Cong village and within driving distance of Cong. Car-share lifts to field work sites outside Cong Village can be arranged for participants arriving to Cong via public transport.

Participants are expected to have fully completed the first two free modules on the Bat Conservation Ireland training platform prior to attending the Cong workshop (Course 1: Introduction to Bats and Using Bat Detectors).

Some bat trapping will be carried by out tutors to demonstrate bat handling techniques in line with best practice guidelines and prioritising bat welfare.

Tea/coffee breaks, and lunch are included in the cost of the course. Dinners are not included but there are numerous options for hot meals in Cong.

Course Content

Health, safety and biosecurity

Irish bat species, their ecology and roosts

Identification of bats in the field and in the hand

How to assess roost potential, survey a bat roost and which tools to use

Sonogram analysis (Kaleidoscope)

Daytime practical sessions to include bat sonogram analysis, assessing roosting potential of structures and trees, signs of roosting bats

Evening practical sessions to include surveys for roost emergence, using detectors and detecting bats in different habitats, tuneable detectors/full spectrum/static detectors, demonstration of trapping and live bat handling