Bat Ecology, Conservation, & Management Methods
COURSE DESCRIPTION
The conservation of endangered bat species requires an understanding of their unique physiological ecology. Understanding the suite of adaptations that enable bats to occupy their niche provides valuable insight into their demographics, which is a central component of any effective management strategy. This course introduces students to these fascinating and complex mammals. In addition to learning about bat phylogenetics, anatomy, and physiology, which in turn informs their life history and the ecological roles they perform within ecosystems, the course also covers the major threats to bats, basic concepts and protocols for monitoring bat populations in temperate regions, and current strategies for population stabilization and recovery.
PREREQUISITES
Introductory knowledge in Biology is required. Pre-existing knowledge of comparative anatomy and physiology is preferred but not necessary.
INSTRUCTOR
COURSE FORMAT & DATES
FORMAT: Reach out to your instructor over the first 6 weeks for help with course materials as you work through prerecorded lectures and exercises. Instructor support includes emailing your instructor, accessing live discussion threads, attending group meetings, and scheduling one-on-one appointments (Zoom or phone) about course materials, your research, datasets from work, etc. You will have access to course materials for the 3-month term. After working through 8 modules, set up an optional meeting with the instructor to discuss your own personal project from work or school.
CONTINUING EDUCATION: This course has been pre-approved for continuing education by (1) the Ecological Society of America for 4 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) in Category I(a): Scientific Education and Training, and (2) The Wildlife Society for 16 CEUs in Category I of the Certified Wildlife Biologist® Renewal/Professional Development Certificate Program. Participants must complete all exercises to pass the course (P/F) and receive a CWS certificate of course completion, which can be submitted to ESA and TWS for CEUs. See our Continuing Education Page for more details about CEUs with ESA and TWS.
ESA & TWS CERTIFICATION: Participants that earn a B- or better can use this 1-credit course to help meet the minimum education requirements (in Biological Sciences - Ecology) to certify as a Professional Ecologist with ESA (pending approval). Participants that earn a C- or better can use this 1-credit course in their application to certify as a Wildlife Biologist® with TWS. See our Professional Certification Page for more details about ESA and TWS certification.
DATES & PRICES:
Summer: June 3 - Aug 25: $550 professional / $450 student
*Early bird saves $50
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Origin and Phylogenetics
Ecological and geographic distribution
Adaptations to powered flight
Nocturnality and echolocation
Time and energy budgets
Roosting ecology
Hibernation and migration
Reproductive physiology
Public health and epidemiology
Public relations and mythology
Capturing and marking bats
Physical survey techniques
Summer roost surveys
Hibernacula surveys
Echolocation and call structure
Acoustic survey techniques
Basic principles of sound
Inherent limitations of acoustics
Acoustic survey protocols
Conservation Topics
SARS and bat virology
White-nose Syndrome
Renewable Energy
Urbanization
Conservation and management
Bat house management
Deforestation and fire management
Cave and mine management
Data management
SCHOLARSHIPS
Full scholarships are available to participants from countries designated as “lower income” and “lower middle income” in the World Bank List of Economies. Please see our CWS World Scholars Program page for details.
CANCELLATION POLICY
Cancellations 30 days or more before the start date are not subject to cancellation fees. Cancellations <30 days before the start date are subject to a 50% cancellation fee. No refunds once the course begins.