Tracking Bats Across Europe:
Methods and New Developments

11th November 2024

12:00 – 13:00 (CET)

Online

Abstract

Presented by Professor Fiona Mathews, (University of Sussex), this webinar will explore recent advancements in tracking bat populations across Europe, with a focus on the methods and technologies being used to monitor their movements. Professor Fiona Mathews will discuss the challenges in gathering large-scale data on bat distribution, particularly due to the limitations of current tracking tools like GPS for small species. The OneBAT project aims to overcome these challenges by combining diverse datasets and piloting new techniques such as automated telemetry and large-scale tagging. This research is essential for understanding bat ecology and assessing future risks related to climate change, habitat alteration, and virus emergence.

Professor Fiona Mathews is an expert in wildlife monitoring and developing conservation solutions. Her recent work includes assessing British mammal population trends, researching bat hazards from wind turbines, and studying the impact of roads, street lighting, and plastic ingestion on wildlife. She has led projects in Ecuador on sustainable vanilla production and in Zambia on fish-farming and anti-poaching. Pr. Mathews co-founded Ecotype Genetics Ltd, developed the MammalMapper app for monitoring mammals, and chairs Mammal Conservation Europe. She also led the Eurobats Working Group on Wind Energy, resulting in an EU resolution to mitigate wind farm impacts on bats. Her popular science book, Black Ops and Beaver Bombing, was shortlisted for the Wainwright Prize in 2023.

Organized by:

University of Sussex

Contacts

Andrea Spotti
beWarrant – Tinexta Innovation Hub

[email protected]

Fiona Mathews
University of Sussex

[email protected]