Bat Roosts in Trees
A Guide to Identification and Assessment for Tree-Care and Ecology Professionals
- Evidence-supported throughout, with summary reviews of roosting ecology.
- Covers the 14 tree-roosting species found in Britain, with illustrative photographs and data.
- A practical analysis framework with clearly identifiable thresholds for action.
- I would strongly recommend this book (and framework) to tree-care and ecology professionals, and it is potentially of broader interest within the scientific community. —Stuart Newson, Senior Research Ecologist, BTO
- habitat management
This is a guide to finding tree-roosts. It is the result of the collaborative efforts of professional surveyors and amateur naturalists across Europe as part of the Bat Tree Habitat Key project, and represents a combination of firsts:
It is the first time legislation and planning policy have been reviewed and put to practical use to define an analysis framework with clearly identifiable thresholds for action. Yet, despite its efficacy in a professional context, it is also the first time a guide has been produced that is equally effective in achieving its objective for amateurs.
It is the first time such a method has been evidence-supported throughout, with summary reviews of each aspect of the roosting ecology of the individual 14 tree-roosting species, with illustrative photographs and data to which the reader has open access.
It is the first time a repeatable analysis framework has been defined against which the surveyor may compare their results at every stage, from the desk-study, through ground-truthing, survey and analysis, thereby ensuring nothing is overlooked and that every result can be objectively compared. The survey and analysis framework itself is ground-breaking in that it may readily be adapted for any taxa; from moths, through amphibians, reptiles, birds and all other mammals.
Used diligently, these methods will reward disproportionately and imbue the reader with renewed confidence as they quickly progress from beginner to competency. Thus, this book is for everyone who has ever wanted to find a tree-roost, or to safeguard against inadvertently damaging one.
This book is aimed at tree-care professionals and ecologists, but will also be of use to amateur naturalists.
Table of Contents
Ch 1. Rationale
-Pre-existing published advice
Ch 2. Tree-Roosting Bats
-Tree-roosting bat species
-Wooded habitat and tree species
-Sensitivity to isolation
-Seasonal tree-roost occupancy and roost size
-General tree-roost preferences
Ch 3. Potential Roost Features
-The Disease and Decay PRF
-The Damage PRF
-The Association PRF
Ch 4. Intelligence-Gathering
-Collation of the results
Ch 5. The Desk-Study
-The desk-study objective
-The test of 'reasonable likelihood'
-To survey or not to survey
Ch 6. Ground-Truthing
Ch 7. Choosing Surveillance Methods
-Putting it all together
-The proportionality text
Ch 8. Close-Inspection
-Health and Safety
Ch 9. Remote-Observation
-Health and Safety
Ch 10. Static-Netting
-Health and Safety
Ch 11. Surveillance Effort
-Surveillance periods and intensity therein
Ch 12. Trouble-Shooting
-Inconclusive and 'null' results
-Indirect damage and disturbance
-Comparative assessment of environment
-Getting a second-opinion
- I would highly recommend this book for tree-care and ecology professionals. It brings into one place a wealth of knowledge and experience. The links to resources held on the BTHK are very useful. I know that it will be on the shelves of many ecologists but I would urge everyone to read it right through at least once and then dip back into it as you need. That way you will get the most from the knowledge being shared. —Carol Williams, Director of Conservation, Bat Conservation Trust
- ... for anyone wanting to learn more about this fascinating subject it will be the landmark work for many years to come. —Mark Tunmore, Atropos
- This work will serve as an invaluable reference for field biologists who might be called upon to conduct relevant survey work and environmental impact assessments. —Danny A. Brass, National Speleological Society News
About the Author
Bat Tree Habitat Key is an entirely altruistic collaborative project, set up by Henry Andrews, that has been running since 2010. The project objective is to provide an identical detailed account of how each bat species exploits trees as roost sites. This is achieved by data review, collection and analysis within a standardised format, as well as the collection of photographic accounts, which may be contributed by anyone, and are made publicly available for everyone (see www.battreehabitatkey.co.uk and an associated Facebook page). Regardless of political upheaval, the egalitarian nature of Bat Tree Habitat Key combined with the active encouragement of criticism, continues to foster a sense of camaraderie between naturalists of all levels and walks of life across Europe, and the wider world.
- vii, 264 pages
- 65 colour figures
- 77 tables
- BISAC SCI070030, NAT019000, NAT011000, SCI020000, NAT034000, NAT010000
- BIC PSVS, RNC, RNKH, KNAL, TVR, PSVW7, WNCF