Comparing acoustic and radar deterrence methods as mitigation measures to reduce human-bat impacts and conservation conflicts.

ABSTRACT: Where humans and wildlife co-exist, mitigation is often needed to alleviate potential conflicts and impacts. Deterrence methods can be used to reduce impacts of human structures or activities on wildlife, or to resolve conservation conflicts in areas where animals may be regarded as a nuisance or pose a health hazard. Here we test two methods (acoustic and radar) that have shown potential for deterring bats away from areas where they forage and/or roost. Using both infrared video and acoustic methods for counting bat passes, we show that ultrasonic speakers were effective as bat deterrents at foraging sites, but radar was not. Ultrasonic deterrents decreased overall bat activity (filmed on infrared cameras) by ~80% when deployed alone and in combination with radar. However, radar alone had

SUBMITTER: Gilmour LRV 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7018087 | biostudies-literature | 2020

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature