Listening to wildlife: Bat research takes flight at Brosnan Forest

Some of the most important wildlife research at Norfolk Southern's Brosnan Forest happens after dark.

Through acoustic monitoring and hands-on surveys, researchers are learning more about the bats that call the Forest home, including several species of conservation concern. As Bat Week takes place Oct. 24-31, the ongoing work offers a closer look at how scientific research can help inform habitat conservation.

Top Takeaway

• Acoustic monitoring and recent field surveys at Brosnan Forest have documented three rare bat species, helping researchers better understand which species are present and the habitats they use.

Listening and learning

Researchers have deployed acoustic detectors throughout Brosnan Forest to identify key bat species and better understand their preferred habitats.

The devices capture bat calls, providing researchers with information about which species are active in different areas of the Forest. Combined with captures of bats through mist-net surveys, monitoring helps build a clearer picture of local bat populations and their habitat needs.

Recent netting events also successfully documented three rare species: the northern long-eared bat, Rafinesque's big-eared bat, and tricolored bat.

While the research is ongoing, these early findings are helping researchers learn more about the wildlife that depends on the Forest.