Researchers are conducting an exciting project at the New River Gorge National Park, tracking the movements of bats using tiny cellular trackers. These devices, weighing just 0.21 grams and measuring 3.75 centimeters long, are attached to two endangered species: Indiana bats and Virginia big-eared bats.
The park invites visitors to participate by taking slow drives from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m., which will upload data about the bats’ locations as they fly each evening. This project is a joint effort involving the National Park Service, Virginia Tech graduate students, and biologists from the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources.
Bats play a crucial role in ecosystems by controlling insect populations and aiding in pollination. However, they face threats from diseases like white-nose syndrome, which affects hibernating bats. With over 50 bat species present in national parks, tracking their movements is vital for conservation efforts.
The trackers will eventually detach on their own, providing valuable insights into bat travel patterns. One bat was even recorded over 130 miles away from its original capture site. This data is crucial for understanding and preserving bat habitats. For more information, you can check out the updates on the park’s Facebook page.
