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Gotham Bat Conservancy has been planning several projects and initiatives this winter that we are excited to announce are launching this May. With the support of our dedicated members and donors we have been able to bring these plans to life.
Bat Monitoring:
There is much need for data relative changes in bat populations, their movement around the region/country, and roosting patterns during the summer months. This information is needed in order to understand where conservation efforts need to be focused, what strategies to implement, and the impact conservation has on bat populations.
Gotham Bat Conservancy will begin conducting our ongoing bat monitoring surveys throughout New York City this year and into the future to collect this highly important information in collaboration with the North American Bat Monitoring Program (NABat). Data will be collected using two methods, acoustic monitoring and roost/emergence counts. Using acoustic monitoring devices, GBC will be able to identify species of bats, including the presence of any endangered species in New York City, and learn the richness of species we have and where these bats are and are not congregating. Roost and emergence counts will also provide species identification and species richness data as well as for bats that prefer man made habitats, such as bat houses.
All data will be published with NABat and found on the United States Geological Survey website.
Tree Inventory:
In addition to bat monitoring, GBC will be conducting a tree inventory within the NYC Parks where we are conducting our surveys. There is a gap in data on the makeup of the urban forest in NYC. By collecting data on the makeup of our urban forest, we will better understand what forest resources are and are not available to bat populations (as well as other wildlife). GBC will be able to find correlations between what species of trees are present/absent in relation to what species of bats are present/absent to inform conservation strategies, and to advocate for enhancements and protections to the urban forest in NYC.
Gotham Bat Conservancy welcomes volunteers to help with bat monitoring and other projects. Opportunities are on the website, and more will be coming soon! Check back on social media for the latest volunteer opportunities. We look forward to another great year of bat conservation in NYC!
